One of the many exquisite quilts at the Bob Bullock’s Museum in Austin, Texas; they are on display through August 31, 2015; the display is a history lesson for all race, creed and colors in the United States.
by: Sister Tarpley
I read these long ago; they caused me to ponder and gave me comfort. Perhaps you have read or heard these before. You may read these for the first time, or read these again, which ever, these are things to enjoy and make you think.
Imagine you and the Lord are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Lord’s footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace.
But your footprints are a disorganized steam of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns. For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Lord’s; soon they are paralleling His consistently. You and Jesus are walking as true friends!
This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens. Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Jesus’ are now walking precisely in His steps. Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones; you and Jesus are becoming one.
This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. Your footprints inside Jesus’ footprints seem to grow larger. Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints; the two footprints have become one.
This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags are all over the place. There are stops, starts, gashes in the sand. There are a variable mess of prints. You are amazed and shocked.
Your dream ends. Now you pray: “Lord, I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Christian; I was just learning. But You walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with You.” “That is correct,” said the Lord.
“And when the smaller prints were inside Yours, I was actually learning to walk in Your steps, following You very closely.” “Very Good . . . You have understood everything so far.”
“When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming more like You in every way.” “Precisely,” said the Lord. “So, Lord, was there a regression or something?
The footprints separated, and this time it seemed worse than at first.” There is a pause as the Lord answers with a smile in His voice. “You didn’t know? It was then that you had a victory, you did a Holy dance!”
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under Heaven: a time to weep, a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4) — Author Unknown
TAKE TIME: Take time to “Think”, it is the source of wisdom; and wisdom comes from God. Take time to “Dream”, it is the fountain of the future. Jesus said that without a vision, the people perish. Take time to “Play”, it is the way to stay young at heart; and to enjoy life to the fullest.
Take time to “Reflect”, it is the way to know God; and to know God is to love God. Take time to “Smile”, it is the road to happiness; and it takes less muscles to smile.
Take time to “Laugh”, it is the music of the soul. Take time to “Love”, it is God’s greatest gift; and God is Love.
Take time to Pray, it is the greatest power on earth; and a wonderful way to talk to God. — Author Unknown.
