Friday 16 May 2014

Footprints in the Sand Blessing

I've been asked to mention an event happening this afternoon, and am very pleased to do so.
 
On Friday 16th May at 2.00 p.m. the Reverend Mark Bond and Connétable Steve Pallet will lead the ceremony to bless 'the footprints in the sand', which have been imprinted on the granite as part of the work undertaken in St. Aubin.
 
The footprints have been imprinted in gold, and with sand from St. Aubin's beach. They 'walk' to the Caring Hands charity post box and are there as a symbol and reminder that nobody has to be alone, as well as serving as testament to the Parish of St. Brelade and the People of Jersey.
 
Refreshments will be served at Murray's after the blessing and all are welcome.
 
Footprints in the Sand
 
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Scenes from his life flashed across the sky
and he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand,
one belonging to him and the other to the Lord.
 
When the last scene of his life had flashed before him,
he recalled that at the lowest and saddest times of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
 
Dismayed, he asked, "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
you'd walk with me all the way.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most,
you would leave me."
 
The Lord replied, "My precious child.
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering
when you saw only one set of footprints...
That was when I carried you."
 
(anonymous, authorship disputed)
 
 
References
On the original source of the poem, see:
http://www.poetryfoundation.org/article/180239
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/geneveith/2008/06/who-wrote-footprints-in-the-sand/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/31/AR2008053101998.html

No comments: