Leaving Footprints in the Sand – Lessons From the Beach
One of my favorite things to do at the beach is to take early morning walks. If you look, you can see my footprints in the sand.
My Footprints in the Sand
When you have the opportunity to walk along the beach early in the morning, you notice things. Without all of the other beach goers, it is quiet, and things do not get disturbed as easily. That was the case a few weeks ago when I turned around and noticed my footprints in the sand.
Immediately the poem “Footprints in the Sand” came to mind. Then other questions started flashing in my mind:
- Who is following in your footsteps?
- What kind of example am I setting?
- Where am I leading them?
- Am I carrying anyone?
Who is Following in Your Footprints?
Unless you live completely secluded from everyone and have no Internet (which leaves you out if you are reading this), you have some sort of influence on someone.
Examples:
- People you encounter only once
- Acquaintances
- Co-workers & peers
- Casual friends & distant relatives
- Close friends
- Immediate family
- People on social media
Regardless of the relationship, you will leave some sort of impression on their lives – the deeper the relationship, the deeper the impression.
You never know who may be following in your footprints.
What Kind of Example Are You Setting?
- How do you react to not so great situations?
- What is your demeanor?
- How do you treat people?
- What things do you do?
- Where do you go?
- What do you say and what tone do you use?
Since we all have people around us on whom we will have some sort of impact, we should determine to make them positive ones. Let them see a good example as they step in our footprints.
Where Are You Leading Them?
We live in a beautiful world that the Lord created! However, when sin entered in, so did pain and heartache. There are so many hurting people out there, and we run into them daily. So many do not know where to turn for help.
We can share all sorts of resources, but if we do not share the One True Healer, we have done them a disservice. We need to lead them to the One Who “carries them” when there is only one set of footprints.
Are You Carrying Anyone?
Just like “The Footprints” poem, the Lord is always with us and carries us when we are struggling.
However, there are times that He uses us to be the carrier. He equips us and calls us to be there for hurting people. Are you carrying anyone?
The Footprints in the Sand Challenge
As we determine to make a positive impact on the people around us, expect the tides of the world to try and wash it away. The key is persistence! Keep stepping out and leaving your footprints in the sand for people to follow.
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness…”
Titus 2:7
The Good News
If you noticed in the pictures, there are more footprints than just mine. We are all in this together! We can work together, encourage each other, and pray for one another as we set forth. In doing so, we will be more effective.
Even the birds left footprints!
A Few Great Resources
- She Reads Truth Bible
- The Esther Anointing
- Spread a little cheer with these Christian stickers.
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Quotes
Related Posts
Tips and Ideas for a Great Beach Vacation
Lessons from the Beach – Broken but Beautiful
Happy Shark Week
The Minnow Story
Until next time,
.
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“When I am filled with cares, Your comfort brings me joy.” Psalms 94:19
Love, love, love how you drew the distinction between His footprints, our footprints and the footprints of the people and animals we share space with too Susan. It really makes you think about the kind of impact you’re making no matter if you’re leading, following or carrying. Hugs, CoCo
He is amazing to teach us through simple little things like our footprints. 😊
Love your thoughts and especially this >> “We need to lead them to the One Who “carries them” when there is only one set of footprints.”
Thank you so much!❤️
Susan, this is beautiful. So wonderfully spoken.
Visiting today from SSPS 270 #69&70
Thank you so much!
‘The key is persistence.’ And ‘we’re all in this together’. Key lines that stood out to me. Thanks for the encouragement to be mindful of where we’re leading others.
Thank you so much!
Good message that whether we realize it or not, we DO have people following our footprints. May we be intentional where we place our feet!
Amen!!
That quote by Paul Coelho is one of my all-time favorites. It’s always a reminder to me to live out the love God has shown me. Lovely post. I am always weirdly fascinated when I turn and see all the footprints at the beach. I know they’re there, but there is something about turning around and seeing the evidence of my walk that somehow surprises me. It always affects me. Sometimes it’s easy to feel invisible and inadequate, but those prints are one of the ways God shows me that I matter and reminds me to live for Him. Thank you for the encouragement today.
That is such a beautiful lesson in itself! The Lord can use whatever He wants to teach us His lessons.
A good reminder, Susan, that we are influencing those around us. May we influence them toward the One we love. Visiting from Joanne’s link-up.
Amen to that!
Thank you for the reminder, Susan, that we influence all those who are around us. May we influence them toward the One that loves us.
Yes ma’am!!!
The Footprint poem is very dear to me, and I have a hand embroidered piece of it sitting on my desk.
Thank you for linking to SSPS 372. See you again Monday
I love the footprint poem too!