So often when I receive electronic messages with a subject beginning, fwd; fwd; fwd ..... I just don't take the time to read them.  Today however the Subject included Shoe Man and stirred my curiosity so I read it.   It also stirred my concern for in sometimes busy days that I don't take the time to investigate, much less have the interest in someone who's outward appearance projects to me an "I don't care" image.

I hope that you take the time to read it too.

Rich

The Shoe Man

   I showered and shaved............... I adjusted my tie.
   I got there and sat............... In my usual pew, just in time.
   Bowing my head in prayer......... As I closed my eyes and looked down.
  
   I saw the shoe of the man next to me...... Touching my own. I   sighed...... 

                'He's here again and he's sitting in my pew'.
  
   With plenty of room on the other 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, they're 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 the
   door of this house of God?    That's always expected. 
  
   "Well, this certainly isn't it," I thought, Glancing toward the  floor.
  
   Then the prayer was ended............ And the songs of praise began.     Next,    the Collection. 
  
   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.
   And someone was looking-------- looking at me!
   It was time for the offering......... and what I threw in was a bit 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.
  
   Once again, 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 is here,
  
   We must greet new visitors.........  And show them all good cheer.
  
   But I felt moved somehow............. And wanted to meet the shoe
   man.  Today was gonna be it.   I'd look at him face to face. 
  
   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 now.... And you're the first to say
    'Hi.'      You are really an angel.    This was the last day I was going to come.
  
   "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.
    about 8 miles when I come straight. 
   "But by the time I get here.........."They're dirty and dusty, like
    chalk."   And I'm always wind-blown and sweaty. 
  
   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 I'd say   
   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 today.  
  
   You are special to me and you have made a difference in my life.
   I respect you, and truly cherish you.
  
   Let old friends know you haven't forgotten them, and tell new  friends you  never will.
  
   Remember, everyone needs a friend. 

   And God is calling someone like you to touch their soul. 

If you have enjoyed this story  and have one of similar nature that you would like to share with others, send it to me.

Thanks for reading this one !

Rich

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