Footprints

Well, this has been one incredible summer! Between EFY, Girls' Camp, Youth Conference, and traveling for the rest of the summer, I have not had time to post all the amazing experiences I've had. This summer has been a testimony building one, and I have recorded it well elsewhere. So when boring times hit during my senior year, I'll be sure to share experiences from my summer on here.

Recently, I got to spend time in Washington. While I was walking down First Beach in La Push looking at all the footprints, I remembered one of my favorite poems.

Footprints 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 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,

is when I carried you."

Mary Stevenson

Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson, from original 1936 text, All rights reserved

I looked at the footprints on the beach, and saw how there were several different sets, all different shapes and sizes, all heading different directions. Then I had a thought.

We are each here walking our own path alongside the Savior. It is sometimes tempting to look at everybody else's footprints- their depth, their distance, their direction- and compare them to ours. We should not try to determine how well each person walks his or her path, and we cannot determine how well we walk our own paths by comparing them to those belonging to others. What is important is that we do our best to love and serve those whose paths cross ours.

As I enter this school year, I look forward to the opportunities I have to learn and work hard. This year will not be an easy one- but I know that while I'm doing my best to survive, I'll continue to be blessed.

Have joy!

<3 Hannah Jo