Need some inspiration????

I saw this picture today and thought it was funny. It is a good reminder that there is always someone out there in a worse situation. Sometimes I think people get in a slump and think that they really have it bad. I think that sometimes we get so caught up in worldly things that we forget the blessings that God has given us. I must admit, I don't know why I was compelled to write this tonight, I guess it's just something that God laid on my heart.
I think maybe because of all the bad news surrounding our family and friends right now, I am trying to find the good in all of the situations, but it is difficult. How can anything good come from a doctor telling a mom that she has breast cancer? How can anything good come from a 12 year old boy finding out he is diagnosed with a lifelong disease? What about all the kids that are suffering from various injuries, illnesses, etc? What about all the deaths of family members lately? This is all overwhelming but we must stay focused and remember that God is in control and he will make things right. In our suffering, we should seek out the good things that He has provided. Faith will see us through the bad times. Remember the famous poem "Footprints in the Sand." by Mary Stevenson? In case you don't, I'll post it below. A little history behind the poem...it was written in 1936 and many copies were distributed for years with "Author Unknown" posted at the bottom. Mary Stevenson actually wrote the poem but knew nothing about copyrights and thought nothing more about it. Then while cleaning out her garage in 1984 she found a copy that she had dated 1939, she sought a copyright for the poem but it would take 11 more years for forensic scientists to prove the authenticity of the poem. So, if you're feeling a little down and out and need a little reminder, just read the poem. It's pretty inspiring!


"Footprints in the Sand"

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,
"You promised me Lord
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during
the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one
set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most,
you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,
"The times when you have
seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you."

~Mary Stevenson~