Below is a short story/poem that I think of often as I go about my life. You have probably seen it before on a poster, it is called “Footsteps in the Sand”.
Besides the obvious religious and spiritual aspects of this story, I always think there are important lessons learned for other relationships in our lives.
For the other relationships in our lives, there are two sides to the coin.
One side is remembering that at different points in your life others will pick you up when you are down. It could be as simple as a coworker taking a couple of tasks off your plate while you are out sick for a day or two. Or it could be as profound as a loved one sitting by your bedside as you go through major surgery or the death of a loved one.
We must count our blessings for the people in our lives that are willing to pick us up when we are down. We must guard these relationships closely and not let little things get in the way of the important relationships we have and should cherish.
The other side of the coin is being the person who lifts someone else up. Whether it is picking up a little extra work at the office because someone is sick or being at someone’s bedside at a time of dire need, we need to be there for the loved ones in our lives.
The funny thing about being there for others is that it is usually the little things that really matter. It usually doesn’t require some monumental sacrifice on our part. It is usually as simple as a kind word, a hug, even just a smile. We must be that positive force in the lives of those we encounter so that we can lift them up during those hard times.
Thank you to those of you who have picked me up over the years, it has not gone unnoticed.
Make it a great day.
Footsteps in the Sand
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 was one only.
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 has only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied, “The years when you have seen only one set of footprints, my child, is when I carried you.”
Mary Stevenson, 1936
