An awakening of Footprints in the Sand

golf mind power footprints

An awakening of Footprints in the Sand

I remember reading this poem as a teenager and being moved by it back then. I was reminded of its significance again knowing there are times we need a little hand holding to guide us, and other times just need to be carried through the tough spots.

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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.
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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.
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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?”
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The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand, is when I carried you.”
~ Mary Stevenson, 1936

I have been fortunate to receive many emails and comments on my book, Your Inner swing as well as presentations that I have given that have moved people in a profound way. But this last one moved me to tears coming straight from the heart, and gave me an answer that my path is true.

It’s easy to question what we are doing in our life’s journey, especially when things don’t unfold as quickly as we would like them to. I am so grateful to help Terri find her “inner peace” and know that she has passed it on to her daughter as well as others. Below is her email to me:

Randy,

I wanted to write you and tell you something wonderful that happened yesterday.  My daughter came over for “lunch” and time for the two of us to spend together.  As I drove to the restaurant, Elizabeth said, Mom, I’m realizing how much we are alike.  I never realized it before until recently.  I couldn’t believe how you acted when I told you I was moving out and you initially thought I hated you and that’s why I was moving.”

I continued to listen and she said, I’m experiencing something similar with my friends and now I understand.  Every time they don’t want to do something with me, I think they don’t want to be with me, but really it’s they have something else to do or just need some down time.  Tears welled in her eyes as I told her it’s ok, and maybe she is the one who gave me the strength to realize I’m ok through my illnesses.  Then it came to me, your book and CD have given me an inner peace, more than I had before.

So as we sat in the parking space and I told her about your book and CD, I said I will give you it and you can see if it helps.  I explained while it’s based on golf, it’s really based on life.  Now you have to understand that if I told Elizabeth this 6 months ago, she would have blown me off and said I didn’t know what I was talking about.  After eating and going back to the house, I gave her a hug and kiss and told her thank you for spending the afternoon, it was nice.  Her response… “Mom do you have that CD?”

I haven’t heard from her yet, but I’m confident that the inspiration of your CD will help her as it did myself.  Obviously, she’s seen a difference in me.

Between the books, CD and the time you and I have shared together, you’ve inspired and touched me and it’s spreading.  Thank you!  (I can see you sitting reading this with tears in your eyes, because you feel so wonderful about how you’ve been able to touch and share your great gift)

Terri


Wow! Yes, Terri was right, about me feeling amazing about touching and helping others with my work. What she didn’t know is that my tears would not stop. Even right now as I right this, my eyes are filling up with tears of incredible joy. So I share “footprints in the sand” and Terri’s heartening words that will carry me on my continued path of enlightenment for myself, helping others and have hopefully touched you in some way as well.

Randy Friedman, cartoon animation by Anthony Parisi

Much love and gratitude,

Randy

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