Footprints (take two)

So the world ends tomorrow, huh? May 21? Isn't that what the billboards say? Can't say I believe it but who knows? Oh well, if it does, I'm ready. Are you? Truth is, it could end while I'm typing this. We have to always, ALWAYS be ready. I'm excited and ready. Anytime.

This hasn't been a good week for running. I've only done 13 miles so far and am not sure if I'm going to get another one in. It's just been an extremely busy week and I feel like I can actually use that as an excuse. There really has been little time to run, that is if I wanted to sleep. And I did prefer to sleep. Hopefully I'll be able to have a little more time next week with most school days being 1/2 days.

On to the topic......Here we go again. Since this crazy web hosting blog company thing deleted my post last week called "Footprints," I'll try to recreate it here, but I know it won't be exactly the same. Don't you hate when something good you've written gets deleted?? Every once in a while, our home computer will shut down the internet and it always seems to happen when we've typed this long email to someone. It's so frustrating to have to try and recreate it. So that's what's going on here. It's frustrating, but worth it because I think it was a good thought. If you read the first one, feel free to let me know if I left out anything.

Right after Griffin died, we were told about a company called "Precious Prints" that makes imprints of childrens' hands and feet. We were told they also do it for babies, even ones that have passed and so we gave them a call. We met the owner named Mary, who turned out to be a wonderful, caring lady. She immediately went to the funeral home and got an imprint of Griffin's hand and foot. She heated them, colored them, and turned it into two ornaments similar to the picture here. We received the finished product last week and it was sad but also very comforting to be able to touch Griffin's foot and hand again. The footprint even has his name on the front etched in the clay. It will be a wonderful reminder of our son for the rest of our lives. The lady, Mary who created it did a wonderful job and even did it for free. She told us it was her ministry. She was a true blessing and we so much appreciated her kindness and generosity. We received that on Wednesday night. Thursday morning I was at Griffin's grave having my daily time with God. It was especially peaceful and I really felt God's presence. I was thinking about the hand and footprints and about Griffin when I opened up the book I've been reading. It's called "Grieving the Child I Never Knew" and was given to us by my awesome sister-in-law, Beth Greeson. When I turned to the page I was ready for, I noticed it was a page about suffering and included three writings, a poem, a quote, and a scripture. The scripture was very appropriate (Romans 5:3-5 - look for an upcoming post about that one). The quote was good too. But the poem....the poem was called "Children's Footprints". That's the absolute truth. Tell me God is not working in my life and speaking to me. I'll print the poem below, but it was so meaningful being that I had just touched Griffin's footprint the night before and was now sitting by his grave. God is amazing.

It also made me think about one of my favorite writings called "Footprints" which I'm sure many of you have read. I'll print it below as well. I love how at the end, the man realizes that God has been carrying him. God has certainly been carrying me these last several weeks. But it also made me think about my "footprints" or my impressions being left behind. Where have my footprints gone? What impression do they leave to others? What about yours? Your footprints each day either move closer to God or away from Him. Every decision you make does the same. How many times have your footprints led to someone in need, especially someone who needs God? When your footprints leave a room, what do others say about them? About you? I know it shouldn't matter what others think but if your influence leads them away from God, it does matter. We should be leading others closer to God by our words, our actions, our mannerisms, our behavior, and our example. Think about where your footprints take you each day. Are you really moving closer to God with every step, every second of every hour? If so, great! Keep going. Bring others along. If not, change directions. Watch your footprints carefully. The path is narrow (Matt. 7:14). Stay on it! I'm trying my best each day to do the same. Satan's powerful and can push you off that path, but get right back on. It's NEVER too late. I'm staying on to see my God, my Savior, my family, and my son.

I love Griffin and I love God.

Keep runnin'. The PRIZE awaits. (Php. 3:14)

-Albert (2 writings below)

Children's Footprints

By: Doreen Sexton

Some children come into our lives and go quickly.

Some children come into our live and stay awhile,

All our children come into our lives and leave

footprints--

Some oh so small;

Some a little larger;

Some, larger still,

But all have left their footprints on our lives;

in our hearts,

And we will never, never be the same.