footprints in the sand

reading through the archives of this blog brings to my attention seemingly similar entries. seemingly similar, but very different indeed. similar circumstances, similar struggles, but different perspective & reactions. God's footprints throughout all episodes of my life are so apparent to me now. it isnt a cliche without a reason:

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 in the sand,
is when I carried you."

Romans 5:3-5