21st
It seems as though “Footprints in the Sand” has had influence in my life since day one. The poem seems to have more relevance in my life now more so than it ever has. There have been many times in my life that I have felt betrayed or abandoned by God, yet the mere fact that I made it through those times shows the prevalence of God in my life. In one of the most trying periods of my life, my father taught me the importance of faith. Not necessarily in a higher power itself, but in the fact that regardless of the circumstances, things will always turn out exactly the way they should. In every negative experience there is something to be learned, and in learning these things, we shape ourselves into the people we are and want to be.
Since I can remember, he always said to me “Smart people learn from their mistakes. Wise people learn from other people’s mistakes.” As much as I have seemingly ignored the wisdom of my father, I’m coming to the realization that he has always known exactly what the key to understanding life has been about.
“The meaning of life is to love and to be loved in return.”
God can not be contained within the confines of one specific set of beliefs. God can and must be found within anything good in this world. God can and must be found in the hearts of anyone with love to give. In the end, love can always be trusted to prevail, and if there was ever a time for love, the time is now.
Thanks, Dad.
You’ve instilled in me insight and wisdom beyond my years and for that I am truly grateful. I love you always.
