He just wanted shoes

Scorching summer, scares of swine flu.. nothing more is needed to challenge our spirits. To break the dull moment, asked my new colleague (hey, you sure remember the international student from the US/Lebanon/Taiwan) to share some other interesting experience of hers. This is what she said:
I was volunteering at a charity shop in Oxford. Various items, including dress material, were being sold off at throw away prices. A man entered in a tattered suit, but without any shoes. “I am homeless and jobless. All I need is a pair of shoes for an interview. Could I please borrow a pair and then bring them right back?” he pleaded. I was willing to let him take one, but the manager was strict and asked me to choose between my job and a free offer. Rules are rules. Ultimately, I shelled out two pounds from my pocket and offered him what he wanted. A couple of days later I did spot the man – in the same suit. The shoes were intact too. Only, he did not recognise me. But I felt happy I had done something worthwhile.
When she finished, I patted her and she just giggled.
My prayer is to be surrounded by such friends.