I have two pair of black shoes; one pair is casual, everyday work shoes. The other pair are dress shoes. I wear them on Sundays. I have two pair of brown shoes. I have a pair of sneakers, a pair of hiking shoes, two pairs of boots, and two pairs of sandals.
My one pair of black shoes that I wear almost everyday is becoming worn. I don;t buy shoes often. I buy shoes that will last for a few years, at least. I can justify owning all these shoes. They all serve a different function, depending on the season, the dress, the occasion. I could probably get by with four pairs. Boots, sneakers, black dress shoes, and sandals. I say all of this knowing that there are children in this world that have no shoes. I am blessed with more than I need. I am well aware. I have shoes and clothes, a secure home, more than enough to eat, clean water, health care, sanitation, and gadgets to entertain me. But I am deeply aware that I am in the wealthy global minority in this regard. I am aware of the presence of poverty and need. I am so because I see people in circumstances different from mine all the time. I don't travel to Africa or Haiti to see them. I notice my neighbors.
There is a family in my church. There are two adults and four children under age 9 in the house. They worship here every week. The children were all baptized here by me. They are being evicted from their apartment. Seven months of unemployment has meant that income has been too low to sustain the household. When they found the eviction note they called me. I went to visit with them, make a plan, suggest some resources, and pray for God's help. That was Monday.
