It was 6am as I boarded the train to work one cold morning and I was thankful to get a seat. At that time of the morning my eyes are not yet fully focused and at times I’m still half asleep. During that time the train is usually filled with construction workers and a few blue-collar men heading out to start their 7am shift. On that particular morning I found myself drawn to the shoes of men sitting in about 10 seats across from me; maybe it was because that was the only view I had, but nonetheless, my eyes were focused on those shoes.
Granted, they were shoes of polished leather, designer runners, construction shoes that were well worn, some that were new, and some showing signs of labor, and work.
So there I sat analyzing the shoes of men. Men from different walks of life, holding different jobs, thinking different thoughts, living different lives and despite all of what they do and how they looked, they all had something in common. They were of the working class; they were sons, fathers, brothers, uncles, cousins, boyfriends, lovers, co-workers, friends; men with dreams doing the 9-5. Some may be in hot pursuit of following after dreams, some starting, some seeking to find something to pursue, and some living their dream.
One day each of those men had to visit a shoe store to make a purchase of a brand new pair of shoes; buying a type that fits their working needs. For a short time those shoes looked so good, they may have been sprayed for protection from the outer elements. Then one day those shoes loses their shine; they’re no longer look as good, but guess what? They feel right; feet have found a home within the comfort of those shoes.
If those shoes could talk what kind of a tale do you think they would tell? If your shoes could talk what do you think they would say about you the person wearing them?
Would the story depict a journey filled with great experiences and memories, joy, laughter, and fun? Or would the story be one filled with kicking cans of failures and disappointment, emptiness, regret and blisters?
We choose the shoes, where we take them and when and how we wear them is up to us. Say, do you own a pair of clown shoes, or how about some dancing shoes?
