Lenten Meditation for Today: Footprints in the Sand
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of his life flashed before him, he looked back at the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path of his life there was only one set of footprints. He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life. This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you’d 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 when I needed you most you would leave me. The Lord replied “My son, my precious child, I love you and I would never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.”
When I first saw this poetry many years ago, I was not a Christian. This poem is like a picture and is beautiful. I liked it, but I didn’t feel anything special. When I saw it again, I had just been baptized a Christian. At that time, because of my unstable life situation, I was floating like a drifting log. Knowing Jesus became the safest world in my life. I read this poem again and it touched my heart. It seemed Jesus knows my pain and weakness.
In the past two years, because of the pandemic, I have started to visit my clients’ homes. There is a family that I see twice a week. Every time I enter their house, I go to the bathroom to wash my hands first. Next to the mirror hangs a small wooden plaque, with pictures and tiny words in dim light. I didn’t pay attention to it at first, but every time I go, I make sure to wash my hands first, and it always appears in front of my eyes. Day by day, I started to read it again and again. I feel that it’s God talking to me: “You are my child and I will take care of you.” When I couldn’t walk anymore, God picked me up and we moved forward together. Such a miraculous power that is! It is complete trust, relying on God, no longer afraid.
One day, I saw my granddaughter playing the game Trust Fall, and this picture immediately comes to my mind. So, I asked myself, “Do I completely trust that God has caught me, or am I still relying on my own thoughts?”
Trust in God - it is like homework for me. Practice, practice, and practice! I know this is a long-term relationship. Bible study, giving thanks, praying, and participating in worship and meetings have helped me to grow up with God. Like any long-term relationship, the practice will deepen over time, the practice can become more integrated - a way of being rather than something I am doing. When the balance of body, mind, and spirit grows, life becomes more and more free, and more comfortable with a peaceful heart.
~Submitted by Jane
Readings for Today: