From The Storyteller
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Nov. 26, 2018, 80
Mary (not her real name) is cleaning tables and sharing her story. We’re listening because, in small towns in West Texas, it is what you do while enjoying the motel’s free breakfast bar. She’s smiling as she says, “They told me when I reached 80 I’d be over the hill. They were wrong. Since I turned 80 it has been all up hill.” Roughly translated Mary is saying is “there’s always something needs doing’.” Her regular week includes doing home health for two “old ladies” and filling in at the motel two days a week - to give the regular girl some time off. Mary in her deep country drawl is telling us why her life (at 80+) has purpose. She has a keen eye for seeing things that just “needs doing”, and she goes about doing them. The things she sees as “needs doing” are things that help ease other folks’ troubles. She’s telling me it just feels good to make a difference – even if it’s just a small one. I’m smiling because I’m hearing Mary describe in those five words the purpose of the Shoemaker Society. I understand Mary's message because it is the same one I have. We live in a world where there is much suffering. If we can help ease another’s suffering that is good. If we add to their suffering that is bad. Mary gets up every morning with a purpose because she knows there’re things that “needs doing” to ease other folks troubles. Breakfast is over, and we thank Mary for her sharing. I don’t mention The Shoemaker Society. I’m smiling however, because its been confirmed once again that there is a world full of Shoemakers out there working on things that just “needs doing”. Moral: Be a Shoemaker, no dues or meetings, it just feels good. |