My parents were born in l901 and l903, respectively, Dad being the older. They were very fine people. Their lives were marked severely by the Great Depression, and by a serious illness of my Father's in l940. As a result of these experiences, they were very careful with their money. Whenever they made a "serious purchase," they did it together. When my mother bought a dress, Dad went with her. When he bought shoes, or a suit, she went with him.

I joined the family business when they were in their late 60s. One day my father went into my mother's office and said, "Helen, I need a new pair of shoes. These have holes, are worn, and just aren't good for the office." Mother said, "Fine, my arthritis is so bad I can't go up and down the stairs again. Take Bart with you and go across the street and get a pair." "What size do I take?" he asked. "You have a very narrow foot. You have always taken a 10A," she replied. So I helped my father, age 72, through the traffic on Bedford Street to Foot Form, where we had bought shoes since l949. "I want a pair of brown Oxfords, size l0A," my father announced.

"You don't want l0A; you take a 10 1/2-11 B," the salesman replied. "No I don't," Dad protested. "I've always taken a 10A!" "I'll prove it to you," said the salesman. He got his foot ruler out, and sure enough Dad was a 10 1/2B. Skeptically he put on the l0 1/2, but the ll felt even better. Dad bought the shoes and as we left the store, turned to me and said, "You know, I've always wondered why my feet hurt so much!"

We went up to the office and Dad showed the shoes to my mother. She said, "But these are a 10 1/2B. You take a l0A." "But Helen," Dad replied, "the man measured my foot, and I take a 10 1/2-11B." Without looking up, Mom said, "Oh." The next day Dad came into the office in his new shoes. He had a big smile on his face and lots of spring in his step. Neither of us pointed that out to my mother.

Now this is not just a funny family story about a loving couple on their journey into old age. It connects, I think, to the Parable of the Talents. You have to understand that a "talent" is a measure of weight of precious metal, usually silver. A talent is probably about $1,000. It is very valuable. Each of the servants in the parable is given something of great worth. So it is with you and I. We carry on our journey of faith the valuable gift of the message of God's great redemptive love. That gift needs to be shared freely. Obviously we live under various restraints, but don't carry God's love around with you, walking in tight shoes. Loosen up. Share the message. Love only flourishes when set free. Share the joy. Amen.