Here is something nice I recieved. I thought I would share.
Shoes in Church
>
>I showered and shaved.............. I adjusted my tie.
>I got there and sat.............. In a pew just in time.
>
>Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes.
>I saw the shoe of the man next to me.. Touching my own. I sighed.
>
>With plenty of room on either side...... I thought,
>"Why must our soles touch?"
>It bothered me, his shoe touching mine...
>
>But it didn't bother him much.
>
>A prayer began: "Our Father"............. I thought,
>
>"This man with the shoes.. has no pride.
>They're dusty, worn, and scratched.
>
>Even worse, there are holes on the side!"
>
>"Thank You for blessings," the prayer went on.
>The shoe man said.............. a quiet "Amen."
>I tried to focus on the prayer.......
>
>But my thoughts were on his shoes again
>
>Aren't we supposed to look our best.. When walking through that door?
>"Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing toward the floor.
>
>
>Then the prayer was ended........... And the songs of praise began.
>The shoe man was certainly loud...... Sounding proud as he sang.
>
>His voice lifted the rafters......... His hands were raised high.
>The Lord could surely hear.. The shoe man's voice from the sky.
>
>It was time for the offering......... And what I threw in was steep.
>I watched as the shoe man reached.... Into his pockets so deep.
>
>I saw what was pulled out........... What the shoe man put in.
>Then I heard a soft "clink" as when silver hits tin.
>
>The sermon really bored me.......... To tears, and that's no lie
>It was the same for the shoe man..... For tears fell from his eyes.
>
>At the end of the service........ As is the custom here
>We must greet new visitors.. And show them all good cheer.
>
>But I felt moved somehow............. And wanted to meet the shoe man
>So after the closing prayer......... I reached over and shook his hand.
>
>He was old and his skin was dark..... And his hair was truly a mess
>But I thanked him for coming......... For being our guest.
>
>He said, "My names' Charlie......... I'm glad to meet you, my friend."
>There were tears in his eyes......... But he had a large, wide grin
>
>"Let me explain," he said........... Wiping tears from his eyes.
>"I've been coming here for months.... And you're the first to say 'Hi.'"
>
>"I know that my appearance........."Is not like all the rest
>"But I really do try................"To always look my best."
>
>"I always clean and polish my shoes.."Before my very long walk.
>"But by the time I get here........."They're dirty and dusty, like chalk."
>
>My heart filled with pain............ and I swallowed to hide my tears
>As he continued to apologize......... For daring to sit so near.
>
>He said, "When I get here..........."I know I must look a sight.
>"But I thought if I could touch you.."Then maybe our souls might unite."
>
>I was silent for a moment............ Knowing whatever was said
>Would pale in comparison... I spoke from my heart, not my head.
>
>"Oh, you've touched me," I said......"And taught me, in part;
>"That the best of any man............"Is what is found in his heart."
>
>The rest, I thought,................ This shoe man will never know.
>Like just how thankful I really am... That his dirty old shoe touched my
>soul
>
>
>You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
>
>I respect you, and truly cherish you.
>Send this to your friends,
>
>No matter how often you talk,
>
>Or how close you are,
>And send it to the person who sent it to you.
>
>Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell
>
>new friends you never will
AMEN!
Shoes in Church
