Footprints in the Sand
Footprints in the Sand
One night I had a dream…
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and
Across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before us,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed that many times along the path of my life,
There was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in my life
This really bothered me, and I questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You would walk with me all the way;
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
There is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why in times when I
needed you the most, you should leave me.
The Lord replied, “My precious, precious
child. I love you, and I would never,
never leave you during your times of
trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you.”
Three decades ago I made a decision to turn my life around. This poster was on the wall in my private office in my building. I knew I needed Divine intervention. I had cried out, “Lord help me!” But I had little or no faith and didn’t know what to do or how to proceed. Friends who had had similar experiences told me about this poem. So I bought a ‘Footprints’ poster and put it where I would see it everyday.
The poem is a reminder that God is always present ready to help. My struggle could be His struggle, my burdens His. Looking back over time I saw that He had helped me through turbulent periods. Some of the chaos and turbulence was of my own creation. Yet He brought me through it.
Then I began to be Grateful, Thankful for all He had done and was doing. Finally I surrendered and began to trust in Him. I tried to give up my willfulness. I sought His will and not mine. Believing that His Way would lead to a better life. Looking back I see that it has been an ‘easier softer Way.’
The Way, the Narrow Path, or the Road Less Travelled has been difficult at times. Yet each obstacle that came in my path has been surmounted with His help. Over the years there have been miracles, disease, deaths, careers ended, life in general but with His help I have only grown richer, stronger and wiser.
So I must remember ‘from where my help comes.’ He is there and I am Thankful…
DKS