On July 5th I celebrated my 70th birthday and as I stared at the cake with those big numbers 7 0 on it, I began to reflect on my life. It has been quite a journey. As I look back over the footprints in the sandy beach I can see where Jesus and I walk together through some very good times, seeing the birth of my children, watching them grow and become mature, responsible adults. To see them through school, some through college and marriage. Then the grandchildren, what more can you say but at that time the footprints are dancing in that sand. And then there were times that I had to be carried, being a single mom for years and sometimes not knowing if I would have food for my children or a roof over their heads. And then an eight year fight with depression that was so deep that it almost took my life away but He never let go of me. Then the deepest, darkest day of my life came on December 2nd 2007, Sunday morning when I received the phone call that a tragic accident had taken the life of my 16 year old grandson Erik. To see the pain in my daughters eyes and to know I could do nothing to take that away. I knew that I could not walk that path alone so He carried me again. I also see a few drag marks in that sand, those places where Jesus had to bring me along kicking and screaming because I didn't want to do some of the very hard things in life that would, in the end, make me a much stronger and better person.

And now I turn to look at my future, a clear sandy beach ready to be walked on. I don't know how long my beach will be but I do know this, Jesus will always be there with me. There will be times when we walk and talk together, times of dancing with great joy, sad times that I will need to be carried and of course there will be those drag marks, no one ever likes changes. But at the end of that sandy beach I will look into the gentle face of my Savior, lean into His arms and He will take me home.

Today take a look at your footprints and see all that the Lord has done for you and know that the future holds even bigger and better things than our minds can ever imagine. God bless you all.

I love you Erik