Folks We Meet

Going barefoot signals you’re spontaneous, genuine. You announce to the world that you’re unique, happy, relaxed, goodhearted, and have a sense of humor about yourself and a measure of inner freedom.

Some people will think you’re odd!  Others will appreciate your spirit.

In fact, in recalling all these silly, cheerful occasions, I’m surprised how many folks expressed commonality or approval. Those who were put off didn’t say so. Again, it’s like meeting fans of the same book or movie. In one place we lived, the dry cleaners was just up the road. As I dropped off our good clothes, how joyful to step from the car, balance for a moment on the concrete curb, and touch the cool floor as I left our items. “I noticed you’re barefooted!” the clerk said one day. “I can’t wait to get home and take off my shoes at the end of the day here!”

I received similar hospitality at the mail box store around the corner. I come in with photocopies to make, but I wanted to inquire first about my "Oh heck" moment. “You can go barefoot anytime!” declared the clerk at that store, somewhat surprisingly.  So I stood at the photocopiers and organized my books and papers, my feet free as if I were working at home. (When she resigned as store manager to start her family, I gave her a small gift.)

Still another time, while visiting a favorite, quaint town, I strolled among tables for a Saturday morning sidewalk sale. Spotting an item that would make a good birthday present, I gave it to the clerk at the table, who told me I could pay inside. “I’m barefooted, is it okay if I go in?” “Oh, sure!  I’d be barefoot, too, if I could!” This led to a brief conversation about how happy it is to kick off one’s shoes. "Sometimes I feel like going barefoot," she said, "so I step outside and just go!"

We meet people through the businesses we use. All of us function within everyday interconnections, and others work in their jobs on our behalf. Moving away, we don’t know what became of such folk. But if they come into our minds, for whatever reason, we can lift up a prayer for their well-being.