Aslan's Footprints

Defender of Aslan

New member
You and Aslan are walking down the road together. For much of the way, the Aslan's footprints go along steadily, consistently, rarely varying the pace.

But your footprints are a disorganized stream of zigzags, starts, stops, turnarounds, circles, departures, and returns.

For much of the way, it seems to go like this, but gradually your footprints come more in line with the Aslan's, soon paralleling His consistently.

You and Aslan are walking as true friends!

This seems perfect, but then an interesting thing happens: Your footprints that once etched the sand next to Aslan's are now walking precisely in His steps.

Inside His larger footprints are your smaller ones, you and Aslan are becoming one.

This goes on for many miles, but gradually you notice another change. The footprints inside the large footprints seem to grow larger.

Eventually they disappear altogether. There is only one set of footprints. They have become one.

This goes on for a long time, but suddenly the second set of footprints is back. This time it seems even worse! Zigzags all over the place. Stops. Starts. Gashes in the sand. A variable mess of prints.

You are amazed, shocked, and worried. You hang your head as you walk on, wanting to ask but ashamed at what he might say. Unable to bear the pain any longer you turn looking at Aslan.

"Aslan, may I..."

"Yes," his deep voice rumbles.

"I understand the first scene, with zigzags and fits. I was a new Narnian; I was just learning. But you walked on through the storm and helped me learn to walk with you."

"That is correct."

"And when the smaller footprints were inside of Yours, I was actually learning to walk in your steps, following you very closely."

"Very good, you have understood everything so far."

"When the smaller footprints grew and filled in Yours, I suppose that I was becoming like you in every way."

"Precisely," his eyes shone with pride for you.

"So, Aslan, was there a regression did I do something wrong? The footprints separated, and this time it was worse than at first."

There is a long pause as Aslan beams at you, until finally you hear a low rumble build in him until it bursts out as magnificent roar filled with laughter and merriment that shakes the ground and across the sky.

"You didn't know? Oh my child! Dear Little One, it was then that we danced!"
 
I think I like this a LOT better than the familiar original "Footprints in the Sand." The punchline of the older piece, "I carried you," always rang a bit false with me. What I mean is that the original "Footprints" writer seemed to me to be claiming that Jesus gave His followers a smooth ride past the hard times so that they hardly even noticed their troubles. And after losing two wives and many other dear ones to death, I would NOT say that Jesus made it EASY for me, though to be sure it was He Who made it bearable.
 
I think I like this a LOT better than the familiar original "Footprints in the Sand." The punchline of the older piece, "I carried you," always rang a bit false with me. What I mean is that the original "Footprints" writer seemed to me to be claiming that Jesus gave His followers a smooth ride past the hard times so that they hardly even noticed their troubles. And after losing two wives and many other dear ones to death, I would NOT say that Jesus made it EASY for me, though to be sure it was He Who made it bearable.

I have always loved Footprints in the Sand, but to me it has always seemed limited. In so much as it seemed that Jesus or GOD were constrained in a box. It is my belief we see GOD's works and wonders but often forget or miss his humor, laughter, joy.

We should never forget HE is the Lord of Dance. Sadly I think we do and miss the dance altogether. Remember, dance with the one who brung ya, dance with the one who got you there!
 
Very nice!!! What a sweet ending.:)

I think I like this a LOT better than the familiar original "Footprints in the Sand." The punchline of the older piece, "I carried you," always rang a bit false with me. What I mean is that the original "Footprints" writer seemed to me to be claiming that Jesus gave His followers a smooth ride past the hard times so that they hardly even noticed their troubles. And after losing two wives and many other dear ones to death, I would NOT say that Jesus made it EASY for me, though to be sure it was He Who made it bearable.

I don't think that's what it's intended to mean. I think it's that He helps us get through those times.
 
This was quite touching, actually, and I really don't like the original poem and am not really that religious. I love the last line, it's a beautiful subversion of the original.

You made me smile. Good work.

(Wow, I'm being positive!)
 
This was quite touching, actually, and I really don't like the original poem and am not really that religious. I love the last line, it's a beautiful subversion of the original.

You made me smile. Good work.

(Wow, I'm being positive!)
I am a Christian, but I agree with you on the original poem. I never really liked it to begin with. And after realizing how many journals, pens, stationary, calendars, pillows, throw blankets, bracelets it's been printed on, I got pretty sick of it. This version, however, seems to more accurately portray the Christian walk. And even if you're not religious at all, it's still beautifully written.
 
I am a Christian, but I agree with you on the original poem. I never really liked it to begin with. And after realizing how many journals, pens, stationary, calendars, pillows, throw blankets, bracelets it's been printed on, I got pretty sick of it. This version, however, seems to more accurately portray the Christian walk. And even if you're not religious at all, it's still beautifully written.

Ah, thank you my dear friend, that means a great deal to me.
 
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