Walk a Mile in Their Shoes

In many Asian cultures, you take your shoes off before entering a dwelling. We parked ours here while we were touring an amazing castle from the 1600s. When we exited the building, we put our shoes back on and completed our day. In viewing all the photos from our trip, I was struck by this one.  I thought about all the different shoes people had taken off and what it must have been like to walk in their shoes. 

I had planned to meet with a friend this week that I have not seen in a couple decades. I am going to be in the city where she lives for just one evening, so we were coordinating to meet for dinner. I just found out our plans may change as their son was just diagnosed with stage four cancer, and will be having his first chemo treatment this week. I totally understand and pray for his first treatment to go smoothly. 

You never really know what anyone is truly experiencing until you spend a little time in their shoes. You might think you know what is going on, but you have no clue about how they feel until you are engulfed in their world. Walking in their shoes puts you in their place and allows you to see things from their perspective. When I found out about my friend’s son I realized I have no clue how that must feel. I have never had to deal with that situation in any capacity. I may be able to support and be a good friend, but I have no idea how her heart aches or the tears she has been shedding since the diagnosis. Empathy only takes you so far. Walking in someone else’s shoes puts your own world into perspective. You realize that your reality is nothing like theirs. When we find out what others are dealing with our problems seem rather insignificant. Words like cancer and chemo make everything else seem like a mere glitch and no longer a problem. 

As you face your world put it all into perspective. As you interact with others, think about what a walk in their shoes would allow you to understand. If only for a mile, living their life with their problems and challenges would allow you to see things a different way. Experiencing their shoes might make your own feel like they fit better.