by Mary Stevenson*
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."
The first time I read this poem, I cried.
I was young, and had yet to experience some of life's harder trials. But, even when we are young, we wonder where God is, especially during times of crisis.
This poem taught me a lot about faith.
When I am overwhelmed, and feeling lost, those are the times when I can, and should, lean on God. God will carry me.
Eventually, when I am ready to walk on my own, God will gently place me down. With both feet solidly on the ground, I will walk tall, because God is everpresent at my side.
Please daven (or send happy, healing thoughts) for RivkA bat Teirtzel.
With love and optimism,
RivkA
*Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, from original 1936 text, All rights reserved
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