The Shoemaker's Dream
The Shoemaker's Dream is a touching story that illustrates the Christian principle of serving others as a way of serving Christ. The story has been told in different versions by various authors, but one of the most popular ones is based on a short story by the Russian writer Leo Tolstoy, titled "Where Love Is, God Is".
The Shoemaker S Dream
In Tolstoy's version, the main character is a cobbler named Martin, who has lost his wife and children and lives alone in a small shop. One day, he receives a visit from a missionary, who gives him a New Testament and encourages him to read it and devote himself to God. Martin follows the advice and begins to read the Gospel of Matthew every night before going to bed. One night, he falls asleep while reading the chapter about the final judgment, where Jesus says: "Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:40).
That night, Martin has a dream in which he hears a voice telling him that Jesus will come to visit him the next day. He wakes up excited and prepares his shop for the arrival of his guest. He decorates it with green branches and cooks some food. He then waits eagerly for Jesus to show up, but instead he meets three different people in need: an old man with worn-out shoes, an old woman with a heavy load of firewood, and a lost child crying in the street. Martin helps each of them by giving them new shoes, food, and directions to their home. He then returns to his shop, feeling disappointed that he missed Jesus.
However, as he sits in the dark, he hears the same voice from his dream saying: "Martin, Martin, don't you know me?" The voice then reveals that it was Jesus who came to him in the form of the three people he helped that day. Martin realizes that he did not miss Jesus, but rather served him by serving others. He feels overjoyed and grateful for the opportunity to show his love for God and his neighbor.
The story of The Shoemaker's Dream has inspired many people to practice kindness and compassion towards those in need. It has also been adapted into various forms of art, such as paintings, poems, songs, and children's books. One example of such an adaptation is a children's book by Shari Finney, which features beautiful illustrations by Martin Blocki and music composed by Diane Whitacre. The book also comes with a CD of Martin Blocki narrating the story with flute and piano accompaniment by Kathryn and Sarah Blocki. The book is dedicated to the memory of Dave Long, a friend of the authors who devoted his life to missionary work. All the proceeds from the sale of the book go to the Global Mission Board of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.
The Shoemaker's Dream is a timeless story that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas: celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, who came to serve and save us from our sins. It also challenges us to follow his example and serve others as a way of serving him. As Tolstoy wrote in his story: "Remember this: Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of these my brethren even these least ye have done it unto me."
References:
[As told by the American Poet Edwin Markham wayneaugden]
[The Shoemaker's Dream - Gentle Reformation]
[THE SHOEMAKER'S DREAM Edwin Markham]
[Where Love Is God Is - Wikipedia]
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