Last night, wearing one shoe, I spoke with the queen.

I was on my way home from a concert when somewhere in the shuffle of the crowd—I lost a shoe. I kept walking and ended up in a meadow overlooking the most beautiful expanse of water and forest I had ever seen. I sat down in order to capture the sight in my head. I never wanted to forget such a stunning place.

Breaking my solitude, an older woman appeared seemingly out of nowhere and sat down in the cool grass beside me.  A crown encircled her carefully tressed locks, and wisdom exuded from her eyes. Who was this extraordinary woman, I wondered.

I was trying to make sense of this whole dream-like situation when the tiara clad woman spoke to me. Clearly, she had a British accent. Upon closer study of her face I realized…Oh my word…

Yep, this was the Queen of England speaking to me–the peasant with one shoe.

What could I say to the Queen of England?  Nothing seemed fitting. What seemed like an eternity of silence followed. No appropriate conversation came to mind.

So, after an uncomfortable silence, I simply asked her if she knew the king. She looked confused.  I asked her if she would she like to join me in talking with him–that is–the King of Kings. I told her about my Savior, my Wonderful Counselor, my Almighty God, my Everlasting Father… my friend–and how much I loved talking with him. I looked up and began to pray. Her look portrayed her confusion, but as I was praying I noticed that her eyes filled with tears.

Maybe she was beginning to realize that the King of Kings to whom I was speaking was actually God Almighty…and that perhaps there was something more to “religion” than mere tradition. Her tears began flowing and her eyes filled with hope. I was guessing she was imagining that perhaps she could have a meaningful relationship with her creator, who was also my creator.

I truly did have something to offer her. Even wearing one shoe.

And then I woke up.

I’m not sure which part of this dream seems more strange to me. The concert? The queen?  The last concert I attended was several years ago with saxaphone crooning Kenny G.  And I have recently read about Kate Middleton, but seldom think about the Queen of England.

However, it is not strange to know that the grace given to me is something worth sharing–and something everyone needs. I reflected on Psalm 4:7-8

You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Truly, the spiritual blessings from God far outweigh anything money or prestige can ever buy. I may have one shoe, no shoes, or a crown on my head. But in the end, the only thing that matters is my relationship with God.

What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul? Matthew 16:26