These Shoes Ain't Made for Walking

When I was President/CEO of NTL Institute for Applied Behavioral Science, the job came with a summer house in Maine.

In hindsight, not bad. We often rented rooms in the Founder’s House to hikers on the Appalachian Trail – yes, that Appalachian Trail – it starts in Maine.

In the evening during open community time, as others were talking, the hikers were mostly caring for their shoes – sole mates to be sure. I grew to have a great appreciation between a walker and one’s shoes and still do.

In a scant few days, 15,000 plus people will be walking the concrete Anaheim Trail and if your feet start hurting in the process, the Trail of Tears will take on new meaning.

A veteran deputy from another diocese just shared that as part of her pre-convention preparation, she visited her podiatrist. Good thinking.

Ron Lau, who will be doing booth duty for Affirming Catholicism, will be sporting his 20+ year old Birkenstocks who are lovingly cared for by a real Geppetto.

Steve Muncie, manager of the House of Bishop’s Secretariat, has made his selection of footwear and has left already.

The Dean of Cape Town and guest of the President of the House of Deputies will be wearing Crocs – I am sure.

I have chosen the laced up Icons. Old tried and true, they are veterans of Columbus and Lambeth so feet don’t fail me now!

Why does this matter? If your feet have ever hurt, you know why immediately.

Civility takes a back seat when your feet hurt and our conversations grow short and thoughts tend to wander to how soon can we get out of these shoes rather than thinking about resolutions and propositions.

So listen up Long Islanders – deputies, triennial, bishops, spouses, camp followers – make sure your shoes are made for walking ‘cause I don’t want anybody walking all over you (us).