The distinct sound of metal heel taps on tile always calls me to attention. There was a period in my youth where I wore them on every dress shoe. The reason stated for public consumption was that this was the one way of significantly extending the life of my shoes. My dad and I shared in confidence that the primary reason was the way we like to call people to attention as we walked by!
For many years, the sound of metal taps has been limited to the rare occasion when I see someone tap dancing. Even the military guards marching in parade ceremonies moved on with a quieter approach.
Recently I was called to attention by the crisp walk of a director wearing taps. The sound and echo was reassuring and evocative at the same time. It was as if I knew I was in safe hands. The memories triggered by the sound and walk took me to places I have not been for a very long time! Once I past being startled, I found myself listening to the sound with a sense of wonder and reliving my memories through a very different framework.
The sound of metal taps is distinctive. For me, the memories are positive. However, this is not true for everyone! The legacy of our steps from the past live on well long after we pass.
No matter how prepared I think I am, the sound taps make when combined with a crisp, definitive marching step is an alarm call to my soul! I cannot help but be raised and brought to the moment at hand. Wherever my mind was, it is drawn fully into the moment at hand.
The events that follow the steps then and now are ones that I value. Even though the sound fades into a quiet and quieter echo, I can say of the person wearing the shoes today, “splendor and beauty mark his craft; His generosity never gives out.” (Psalm 111.03)
I hope the echo of my steps lives up to and beyond the standard set.
