Those aren’t my shoes

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Jo Moir

Good Morning.

‘Those aren’t my shoes’! my son exclaimed. It was 8: 45, we were rushing to his first day back at school. His trousers were slightly baggy in that ‘he’ll grow into them’ mindset. His new school bag still had a label on it and we finally located his calculator under a pile of Lego! ‘No mum’ he repeated, ‘I can’t wear these shoes’ he insisted! They looked fine to me, black- check, leather (ish)- check, ah they were his sister’s old trainers, the ones with Velcro not proper laces. ‘Don’t’ panic mum’, he said ‘maybe I can wear the wrong ones just for one day ..if it helps?’

How willing are we to wear someone else’s shoes? To think about the needs and concerns of someone else before our own?

I am continuing to join with the national week of prayer and today I’m thinking about those who volunteer and serve in our communities. The people from all backgrounds, faiths and generations who meet society’s needs and often fill the gaps where governments are constrained. They slip on the shoes of other people everyday, bringing friendship, offering support and making our communities function as they serve and care without discrimination

Perhaps you know a volunteer who tirelessly serves in your community. Bring them to your mind for a moment.

Lord Bless our volunteers, thank you for their service, their selflessness and their commitment. Grant them strength and energy today as they enter into other peoples’ lives and place others needs above their own.

Amen

My son got to school by the way, we found the right shoes, they were hiding under a scooter!

Bless you