My version of 'footprints in the sand'

A while back, I wrote out my version of  the "Footprints in the Sand" poem. The mental picture had been floating around in my head for a while and I finally wrote it down.  The original effort was part of a weekly newsletter for my life groupers, college and 'career' age (whatever that means) at my beloved church (that I miss so much!). Today, a friend from that same church asked me to send her the same "story." She hadn't received the original email, but I had shared the thoughts with her during a women's retreat (beloved church!).
Anyway, as I continue to get settled into my new life as a newly re-married wife in a new state that stays at home (even though you don't have any kids???) and continue to explore this new identity...I am reminded, by reading my version of Jesus' presence throughout my life, that one day, this season will be part of my story too. And it is up to me to determine what kind of 'footprints' represent this chapter.

(Original Date: Friday 23 March 2012)

Do you know that story/poem about the footprints in the sand? The one that talks about the guy saying to Jesus "hey, why was there only one set of footprints here, during the hard times of my life???" and Jesus says (in a James Earl Jones kind of voice) "because, my child, that's when I was carrying you!" and you get all teared up thinking about those times?

Well, guess what, my "footprints" conversation with Jesus would actually sound pretty different. If we pick up the conversation right after he explains about carrying me, you would hear something like this:

Me: Ahhh...I get it. But what about over here, why are there two sets of footprints, and the one set is really deep and weird?

Jesus: That's where you were such a mess and so stubborn, that I actually had to drag you for a ways. (don't get all theological on me, it's my version)

Me: I see, thanks for that by the way. And what about there, where it looks like one set of footprints wanders off and then there are sandal prints next to that comfy looking log?

Jesus: That's where you were determined to walk away from me, and I sat and patiently waited for you to come back.

Me: Hmm...and what about the trail up there around that rocky cliff's ledge? Why only one set there?

Jesus: That's where you had to walk and you couldn't see me, but had to listen for my voice. You couldn't see around the next boulder, but you could hear me telling you which way and how carefully to step, and you made it through, see because there's no dent in the sand where your body would have metaphorically landed had you stopped listening to me, so--good job!

Me: Aw...shucks..thanks. And how about over there? Those two spots with the all the sunflower seeds next to them?

Jesus: That's when you were filled with doubt and laziness and had to decide if you were going to get up and walk on your own or not. I knew you were too "old" to be carried, so I sat and waited, and also enjoyed some tasty sunflower seeds.

Me: And here, why are the footprints so far apart? Were my metaphorical spiritual legs a lot longer here?

Jesus: Oh, Carrie, you are the funniest....No, no...that is where you were faithfully running after God. You were living as closely to him as you ever did, and were so excited about your "walk" with Him that it became a "run", and I simply ran along side you, like a friend or a coach in one of those Rocky movies, training you and encouraging and pushing you to run even faster...you were in the best shape of your life then!

Me: ADRIENNE!!!!

Jesus: Really, Carrie? You went with that right now?

.....and we walk on down the pretend metaphorical beach, me pointing to different configurations of sand and Jesus explaining how very varied my spiritual walk with him was/is....

 

So, what are your "footprints" (feetprints?) like with Jesus? Is he having to carry you too much? Is he waiting patiently while you insist on taking your own route and getting stuck in the muck? Is he walking along side you, friend to friend, listening to you and talking to you and encouraging you as you carry yourself? Seriously, those of you who respond, I love hearing your answers. What does it look like for you?