In this issue of The Vision Paper, you will find articles on the Valley East Days and Capreol Days celebrations. Both are annual events which cover four days and are an attempt by some very hard-working volunteers to generate community spirit among local residents. There are many who attend the events and enjoy the activities. There are many who stay home or find other things to do instead. A community celebration is something that we should all hold dear to our heart and we would do well to support the volunteer organizations in their efforts, for they give us something that is far more than mere entertainment. The problem is that many of us may never realize just how these celebrations touch our soul. As I was searching for a way to describe what I meant by that statement, fate had me stumble across a little article entitled, “The Shoes”. I am not sure who wrote the article,  but I am sure that once you read it you will understand what I am trying to say. Regardless of who we are or what our station in life, there are times when we jump to conclusions and make wrong assumptions, only to have something incredible happen that touches our very soul. See how Sam was touched by the stranger.

Sam’s alarm went off. It was Sunday morning and he was tired. It was his one day to sleep in but the guilt he would have felt the rest of the day would have been too much to take, so he got up, showered and shaved, adjusted his suit and tie and arrived at Church just in time to swing into his usual pew before the service began. He bowed his head in prayer and then noticed that the shoe of the man next to him was touching his shoe. Sam thought, “There is plenty of room on either side, so why do our shoes have to touch?” Nevertheless, the stranger’s shoe was glued to Sam’s but it didn’t seem to bother the stranger too much. As the prayers began, Sam wondered, “Does this man with the shoes have no pride?” The stranger’s shoes were dusty, worn, scratched end to end and there were even holes on the side.

The minister’s words echoed, “Thank you for your blessings.” The stranger said a quiet, “Amen”, but try as he may, Sam could only focus on the stranger’s shoes. “Aren’t we supposed to look our best when we walk through that door?” As he looked at the shoes, Sam thought that if that was the case, the stranger certainly didn’t care how he looked.

As the prayer ended, songs of praise filled the room. The stranger was loud, sounding proud as he sang. He lifted the rafters, his hands raised high! Then the basket was passed around so that they could give an offering. Sam threw in his usual large amount. The stranger reached deep into his pockets, and tried to see what he pulled out to put in. Then a soft clink was heard as the coin dropped into the basket.

The sermon bored Sam to tears. It must have bored the stranger as well since there were also tears in his eyes. At the end of the service, as was the custom in this parish, Sam turned to the stranger and wished him well. Sam shook his hand. The stranger was old, his skin dark, his hair a mess. Sam thanked the stranger for coming and being their guest. The stranger said, “My name is Charlie. Glad to meet you my friend.” It was then that Sam noticed tears in Charlie’s eyes, but he also had a wide grin.

“Let me explain,” Charlie said, wiping his eyes. “I’ve been coming here for months, and you’re the first to ever speak to me. I know I don’t look like all the rest, but I do try to look my best. I polish my shoes before my long walk, but by the time I get here they’re as dirty as chalk.”

By now, Sam’s heart had fallen to his knees, but he managed to hold back the tears.

Charlie continued, “I must apologize for sitting so near, but I know when I get here I must look terrible and I thought that if I touched you, our souls might unite.”

Sam stood in silence. He knew that anything he said would pale in comparison. Tears were flowing from Sam’s eyes now as he said quietly, “Oh, you’ve touched me. And taught me that the best of a man is what is in his heart.” As the two parted company, Sam thought to himself that Charlie would never know how thankful he was that Charlie had touched his soul that morning.

And so it is with Valley East Days and Capreol Days. As we take part in the activities and events with our neighbours and friends, we celebrate more than a weekend of summer fun. We celebrate life with friends and strangers. We celebrate our heritage and we celebrate our humanity. We will meet many “strangers” who will look different and act different and come from different backgrounds, but we will also touch many souls during the weekend. Don’t make the mistake that Sam made. Look deep into the heart of the “strangers” you meet this weekend. Look beyond their appearance and discover the “community” that lies within.

On behalf of all local residents, let me thank all volunteers who work so hard to bring us Valley East Days and Capreol Days, and all other community celebrations. We may not show it, but your efforts have touched the souls of each of us. Thank you and may we go forth into the future with a new spirit of community with all of our “friends”.