footprints

My thoughts about Footprints in the sand:
I remember having a bookmark when I was in elementary school that had the poem printed on it. It had the classic beach scene with the footprints and it even had a baby blue ribbon on top. I kept it in my Bible and would read it often. It is such a classic poem. I think most people know it and after reading it - I think the normal response is a thankful sigh knowing that Jesus will be there to help us thru the difficult moments of life.
I have been thinking about it lately in a different way. My old way of thinking was that I would picture myself going thru a trial and at the point of shear exhaustion - or failure to do something in my own strength - I would crumple into a little ball on the floor and Jesus would pick me up and carry me the rest of the way. I would lay in His arms, looking dead, and He would walk thru the sand holding me all flopped over and there would be 1 set of footprints.....yada yada yada.

Now that I am older and have gone thru some trials of my own I have these thoughts: I don't have to try to do everything in my power to make it on my own. And when I can NOT do it anymore- or when I can NOT go one step farther- or if I do NOT have the strength to stand.... then He will swoop in and take over. He is with me all the time. I don't have to be 1/2 dead for Him to come along side me and help me. And if it is a time when He is carrying me thru a rough spot - I can choose HOW I am carried. Being a mom, I can understand that more now.

Annie loves to sit on top of her daddy's shoulders. I think she can see the whole world from up there and it is an adventure. He carefully holds her feet and makes sure she will not bump her head and she is filled with wonder as she is being carried so high. When she is hurt or not feeling well she loves to be held close to my heart. She will lean in and snuggle my neck and cling to her blankie and enjoy the comfort and warmth of the security of her mother. Other times I rest her on my hip as I walk around. My arms do start to ache after holding her for a while. Especially if she is squirming around. God won't tire of holding us but, I don't think we are meant to be held our whole life either.

I can see how different my life would be if I climb up on to His shoulders knowing I am on an adventure and enjoying the ride. Other times I know I need to cling to His neck and long to snuggle close, breathing in the safety of His grip. So, why do I try to do things on my own. I know in my own strength I can do nothing. You'd think I would have learned that by now.....

If you need to be reminded of the beauty of this poem - here it is.

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”

The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”