Season of Miracles

Advent is the liturgical season for preparing our hearts and souls for the coming of Christ--not only at Christmas, but for His Second Coming, also. In this spirit, we pray, sometimes we fast, and especially now, we are more inclined to give. Advent is also known as the season of miracles--a virgin birth, God incarnate, the appearance of the heavenly host, Scriptures fulfilled, a special star, and now...this.
As our family was purging the mudroom looking for clothes and shoes to give to the local homeless shelter, I happened upon my old nemesis. I have tried unsuccessfully for years to rid my home of this particular filth, but something (or someone?) always held me back. I managed to banish this enemy to the back porch for several months once, but eventually, it returned. The revolting sight and putrid smell taunted me from its protected perch. This time, though, I was surprised with an unexpected victory! My dear hubby astonished me by allowing his 20+ year old, tattered, weather-beaten, feline-scented indoor soccer shoes to be thrown away!
It is quite apparent that they are well past their usefulness...and attractiveness...and fresh-scentedness. Poor hubby did need a quiet moment to say "good-bye", but, in the end, they were deposited in the big black trash bag of final farewells.
Truly, Advent is a season of miracles.