From dirt to pavement . . .

Have you ever driven on a dirt road??  It might not be as common here in Utah, but where I grew up in the south it was an every day occurrence.  I titled this post "From dirt to pavement" because I feel that my path is composed of dirt at this moment in my life.  In December of last year, 2010, my path consisted of dirt but the truth is that there wasn't a path.  I was lost . . . fumbling around in the woods searching for something that resembled hope.  At times the foliage was so thick that I felt trapped.  I felt that every misguided step entangled my appendages to the point of claustrophobia.  My path has been transformed for me in front of my very eyes.  Heavenly Father's love shines brightly before my steps.  Is some small way, I feel that a block has been lifted and destroyed.  I know that every day the path might not be as clear as others, but for now I am OK with that.  

I know that some days I might take a step back and others I might take two steps forward.  What I am sure of is that I will achieve my goals and I will not do it alone.  Even if I am physically alone I will never be left alone spiritually.  Just like the poem Footprints in the sand says, 

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish,
sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints,
so I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there has only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“The years when you have seen only one set of footprints,
my child, is when I carried you.”
Copyright © 1984 Mary Stevenson

 

I am confident that even if there is only one set of footprints on my path, those prints will not be my own.  Yes, my path is made of dirt right now.  I am looking forward to the pavement.  Yes, my feet are worn and aching.  I am confident that when I graduate to my pavement path Heavenly Father will heal my feet.  I know I will still carry the scars from my many paths of life, but I will no longer feel their pain.  I pray that others can grasp this understanding for themselves.  I have truly felt that I have carried the pain from my old scars with me for far too long.  I am done holding on to that pain because of fear.  I used to fear not knowing who I was if I didn't have my painful scars.  

This last week hasn't been easy . . . not by a long shot.  I have tested my own faith, abilities, and trust to their maximum.  What I discovered when I did that was I blew through the limitations I have set on myself.  I blew through the glass ceiling and now there is no maximum.  The possibilities are endless for me.  The only one who will hold me back now is myself.  I am so very grateful for the Heavenly Father and the people he has put on my path.  Those wonderful people have done more for me that I can even put into words.  These people, while doing Heavenly Father's work, have saved my eternal happiness.