Footprints

There's a place on Lake Michigan where I go to "just get away".  It has the most beautiful view, especially atop the highest dune, which just happens to have a tree with a perfect sitting branch to overlook the scenery.

Well, on the way up I was looking down because of how bright the sun was and couldn't help but notice the footprints in the sand.  There were several different ones.  But what I noticed was that even though I had just been there yesterday evening...my footprints were already nowhere to be seen.  It may sound silly, but that little moment reminded me of how tiny I am, how insignificant what I do is, yet even with that realization I know that even though the world may not remember what you or I do in this life, we will still stand in front of God one day.  Would you want to watch even the "highlights" of your life in His presence?  I've gotta be honest, I'm not too keen on the idea, not with The Almighty.

I just happened to read Ecclesiastes the other day and you know it's famous for "vanity of vanities!  All is vanity."  But what came to mind were the final words after all of its explanation.  Verses 13 and 14 of Ecclesiastes 12 says, "The end of the matter; all has been heard.  Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.  For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." (ESV)  I know what I do won't change the world, but the footprints I hope I leave are footprints in people's hearts, footprints of Christ, that leave an eternal impression.

If Christ has left an imprint on your heart, shouldn't it be apparent to the world, the people, around you?  There are times when I get frustrated with myself because I don't truly feel like what I do matters (which, by my own strength it can't and won't), but I feel like that is satan taking swings at me, getting me to focus on how small I am rather than on how great God is and how, if I'm willing to be a vessel, He can work through my life (even when I screw up).

The view above is taken from my favorite spot in the dunes.  God created all this beauty, but He chose to sacrifice His Son so that He could have a relationship with us.  Where it just needed to be functional, God made it beautiful.  Where judgment is justified, He offers us grace and mercy through Christ.  Where we see sinners, He sees sons and daughters.  When we're weak, He carries us, leaving footprints in the sand.  Do you see His footprints?  Do those around you?