Footprints in the Sand

One night I had a dream. I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord, and across the skies flashed scenes from my life. In each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand--one set belonging to me and the other to the Lord. When the last scene of my

life appeared before me, I looked back at the footprints in the sand, and to my surprise, I noticed that at many times along the path of my life there was only one set of footprints. And I noticed that it was at the lowest and saddest time in my life. I asked the Lord, "Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you, you would walk with me all the way. But I notice that during the most troublesome times in my life, there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why you left my side when I needed you most" The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child. I love you and I would never leave you in your time of trial. When you see only one set of footprints, that was when I carried you."