A Pair of Shoes

   Mike* was a young man who lived with an actively, giving heart -- not generously found in the ways of the young. As a teenager, he loved life, did well in school, and pursued his sport-- which was soccer. After graduation in 2007, Mike joined the Marines, and it was here that he literally gave his all for our country.

   As his friends gathered and mourned their loss, one shared a story — a story very few knew — a story about pair of shoes. Mike lived to the fullest. He did things "with all his might." When he played soccer, he played hard. He gave it his best.

   One day his mom became aware of a personal need. His soccer shoes were worn out — he was needing some new ones. Being a good mom, she went to the store and bought him a new pair.

   Not after this incident, she was picking him up from practice when she happened to notice the shoes he was wearing. “Why are you wearing your old soccer shoes?” she asked. “Why aren’t you wearing your new ones?” Mike’s response showed the bigness of his heart. To his mother’s surprise, Mike had given his shoes away!

   You see, there was another boy on the team who’s shoes were worn out too — so, Mike saw the need and filled it — by giving this boy his brand new shoes.

   He and mom never spread the story around, but in his death, others told his life story. This, and other things he did echoed in the hearts and lives of those he associated with. It was they way he lived that followed after.

   Mike had no idea his deed that day would be part of the story characterizing the legacy of who he was. It was “just a pair of shoes.”

By: Janene A. Dubbeld/FGG

Take it With You

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Matthew 25:40

*real name withheld