Bronzed Shoes

My awakening to these unique verses played an important role in my first assignment as an Area Seventy.
I was a bit nervous being the companion of an Apostle, Elder Quentin L. Cook, at a stake conference.
As I walked into the stake president's office for the initial meeting that weekend, I noticed a pair of tattered-looking, bronzed shoes on the credenza behind his desk, accompanied by a scripture ending in an exclamation point.
As I read it, I felt the Lord was aware of my study, had answered my prayers, and that He knew exactly what I needed to soothe my anxious heart.

I asked the stake president to tell me the story of the shoes.

He said:

"These are shoes of a young convert to the Church whose family situation was strained, yet he was determined to serve a successful mission and did so in Guatemala.
Upon his return I met with him to extend an honorable release and saw his shoes were worn out.
This young man had given his all to the Lord without much, if any, family support.

"He noticed I was staring at his shoes and asked me, 'President, is anything wrong?'

"I responded, 'No, Elder, everything is right! Can I have those shoes?'"

The stake president continued: "My respect and love for this returning missionary was overwhelming!
I wanted to memorialize the experience, so I had his shoes bronzed.
It is a reminder to me when I walk into this office of the effort we all must give regardless of our circumstances.
The verse was from Isaiah: 'How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!'"

-S. Gifford Nielson -Hastening the Lord's Game Plan! -October 2013 General Conference

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi