Faint Footprints in the Sand

Have you ever seen the “footprints” poster like the one here?
I’m pretty sure I had one in my room. In fact, I remember it well. There is a poem with it that talks about two sets of footprints, representing yours and God's. Then the person notices only one set of footprints and finds out that is because God was carrying them. 

Sweet. Really.

But is this real?

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What strikes me funny today about this poster is the picture behind it. The picture with these large caving footprints in the sand that anyone within eyesight can see. While this poster is cute and inspirational, I look into my life, then and now, and think, that's just not how it goes!

I visit Galveston often and enjoy walking on the beach in the mornings. A few weeks ago, while on a walk, this poster from my childhood came to mind. I usually walk close to the water, sometimes close enough that my feet get caught up in the water, other times just where the tide stops. And as I walk, I can barely make out my own footprints. I tried!

**This was my best attempt**
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I stepped a little harder, and a little longer, and still, all I could see was a faint outline of where I had just stepped. I ventured away from the tide in an attempt to find sand that would revel in the impact of my step. Still nothing.

But yet, I was still walking. Did the fact that my steps weren't visible in the moments after negate the fact that I had actually taken a step?

Not at all!!

When we walk with purpose, our steps matter.

We, as Christians, find our purpose from the Spirit. My flesh says, "I want to see the impact!", but the Spirit says, "Walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7)

Scripture is clear that we can not gratify the desires of the flesh and the desires of the Spirit simultaneously.

 "For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Galatians 5:17

"For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God."
Romans 8:5-8

We must choose. 
Flesh or Spirit?
Seen or Unseen?
Temporary or Eternal?

As it talks about in Romans, we must decide how we will "set our minds". 

"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace."

Now consider how many thoughts you have in a day. How many times your mind wanders off into dangerous territory or carelessness. Setting our minds is not a one and done deal. It is an all the time thing. It is a discipline we must practice.

The result is beautiful. As we set our minds on the Spirit, we walk with greater purpose, confidence, and joy, regardless of our circumstances. We no longer search for our footprint in the sand, and instead choose to keep walking.

I find myself constantly looking for my footprints. The big, bold footprint for all to see. And I firmly believe it is God's grace that has kept me from seeing them. Perhaps His constant reminder that this is not my home. His grace acting as a tender nudge that I am to walk by faith and not by sight.

So I pray for more faith.

And then, I keep walking.

Friend, His grace is sufficient for you. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

No matter where I walk on the beach, eventually the water will rise and wash away any evidence of my steps.
My hope is this; as I walk in the Spirit, nothing can wash away the steps I make toward Jesus.

The world is constantly telling us to "show out". Make a statement. Be great.
The Spirit only asks that we "show up". Rest in that today.

Keep walking and keep growing.