In India, we have to leave our footwear before entering a temple. I prefer to keep my beat-up shoes rather than moving it outside for fear of losing them and have to continue the pilgrimage barefooted. I never understand the rationale behind this tradition. Nonetheless, I complied.
Leaving the shoes at the door reminded me of an old song that I found in a hymnal book. Don’t know what it sounds like but the lyric speaks to me.
I am a man without envy
No roof, no walls to defend me
Hoping someday you’ll be friendly
And take my troubles away.
Walk with me, talk with me
Tell me all the good things you’ve done
Stay with me, pray with me
Leave all your blues in your shoes at the door.
I went to school for a long time
Hoping to walk in a straight line
Until I discovered the great mind
Never to walk in a straight line at all.
I was a child once I knew it
My mother has pictures to show it
I guess she knew I’ll outgrow it
I guess that’s what pictures are for.
I like the title of this. it sounds like a good song!
Maybe you can find out the tune and sign in your choir.
Sage advice!
Leaving my shoes at the door makes me nervous, even at friend’s homes… I want to know where my things are!
…the great mind Never to walk in a straight line at all. !!!
And I am pretty sure you never walk a straight line, Amy.
No, not me. Does any one… ? 🙂
…since you don’t walk a straight line, “you discovered your great mind!” 🙂 🙂 🙂
Just do your (my) best…. 🙂 🙂
Just don’t go to places you have a problem with….I guess, thats an easy solution.
Such as?
leaving shoes outside in India has very simple reason. One the temple is considered as sacred and leaving shoes outside is means that you show respect and keep the dirt/filth outside. It’s a common practice in all temples…across south east Asia.
God bless your heart! Thank you
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