Footprints In The Sand

[wirralbagpuss]

I have not been able to get this poem out of my head all day. I first read it when i was 14 when my Mother had it up in her study as an embroidery. I was very moved by the poem and i know that it was a favourite of my Mother's. So i have decided to share this poem in the hope that you will also enjoy it as well.



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 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