In another dream that followed again
he asked once more
about the footprints of his life
left along the shore.

"Dear Lord, It's now quite clear to me
that You were always there
and that You never left my side
when I was in despair.

But how could You have led me
through such troubled times as those?
If You love me as you say you do
why did I face such woes?

For I followed where You led me.
You know You've been my guide.
So why was I to suffer,
when upon you I relied?

And though You carried me at times ~
deciding my direction;
I still wonder why You let me stray
away from your protection? "

"My child," the Lord softly said,
"though I've walked with you each day;
I never led the path we took
nor let you walk astray.

When you look upon those footprints
lying in the sand
You'll see I merely walked with you
and gently held your hand.

For the life I gave to you is yours.
And though I love you dear.
The path you followed you had chose
though I was always near.

And though it's true, I carried you
during times of pain and strife.
You decided where I left
those footprints in your life.

You see, I loved you so much so ~
I gave you your own will,
Although you've made mistakes,
my child; you know I've loved you still.

For you had chose to live along
the path left by my Son
and though your steps fell short of His,
through Him you now live on! "

~ Anthony John Goebel ~