The path onto our beach is a sandy incline followed by a sandy decline. Over the years, after much huffing and puffing and sweating, I devised my own little trick for navigating the incline. I found that if I used other people’s footprints there was less sinking and pushing down into the sand on my part. While my steps are a little irregular because they are not mine, I am able to quickly ascend the path, almost like walking up irregular stairs. When I reach the top, the descent to the beach. is a bit slippery. It takes precise foot placement and some patience in the white, hot sand.
My journey to the beach today paralleled my last six months. January thru June was walking up the incline daily in God’s footprints. The walk was awkward and uneven. So many times I wanted to make my own footprints and take control. Each time I tried, the way got hard and the huffing and puffing and sweating began. After three months of that, I decided to use His footprints, no matter how awkward trusting felt.
Today I feel I’m standing at the top, facing the descent down the other side to the beach. Today, just as I put my foot out to begin, I paused to be careful, as I was carrying a chair and a heavy bag. Beginning the descent on the down side of 2011 must be done with the same care. I still must remain a vehicle for the spirit. I still need to use deference and consult closely with God, before proceeding. I still must be custodial with all he has given me to carry. I still must remember to practice gratitude daily, for moments both big and small. And, most importantly, look to Him for my energy. Relinquishing control is a new way for me to live, but if I step carefully, using all I have learned, I think I’ll land on the beach by December much more ready and able to take on 2012.
And so, as another day goes by, it’ll be place one foot, balance, steady it, then place the other as I take what I have learned and begin the descent, and ….I have written.
Awesome picture!