footprints in the sand

"Footprints in the sand"

One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking
along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets
of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to him the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him
and he questioned the Lord about it.
Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when I needed you
most you would leave me.

The Lord replied,
My precious, precious child.
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you.

~Author unknown~