There were NO footprints in the snow today. And little wonder! The previous
morning we had received 4 inches of the wettest, slushiest snow possible, then
it warmed up to a few degrees above freezing, and the precipitation turned to
rain. After raining for several hours, the snow became wet, slipper mounds, and
then the temperatures plummeted to –10º C, freezing everything into solid, icy
ridges. No, those slippery mounds would NOT leave footprints today! In fact, ice
skates would have probably been safer footwear than my jogging shoes.
But since stubbornness has always been one of my strongest character traits
(though some may call it “stupidness!”), I slipped and slid my way around the
cemetery anyway. I DID stop after one round though, but only because my dog
couldn’t even stand up straight. It was the first time she had ever NOT enjoyed
the cemetery!
As I completed my circle, I realized that there were one or two places where a
light laying of snow had worked its way into some of the groves. If I stepped in
these places just right, a tiny footprint DID appear!
“Okay, Lord!” I mumbled, “I thought You had already taught me everything that
footprints could teach!” But as I said the words, the newest lesson was already
flooding across my mind. Sometimes, even when I am following God’s lead and
shining for Jesus, I still don’t leave behind any “Jesus” footprints. Why?
Because the hearts I am interacting with aren’t right for receiving them! They
are too hard, the minds, too closed!
So why bother?
Because there WERE times today when I DID succeed in leaving tiny imprints in
the snow! Just so, we never know when seemingly “closed” minds might open up,
even a little. We never know, friends, when our actions and deeds for Christ
will INDEED leave a tiny impression that might be built on later!
Kind of reminds you of the story of the sower, doesn’t it? He didn’t pay any
attention to the condition of the ground. He just tossed seed! As a Christian,
my job is to “stomp out Jesus footprints” EVERYWHERE I go, by constantly living
my life so that people can see Jesus in me. Sometimes, however, despite my
efforts, people still won’t see Him, and that’s okay. I still have to keep
“stomping”, for I never know when a seemingly closed heart might receive a tiny
“Jesus” footprint . . .
“Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise
your Father in heaven.” (Mt 5:16)
Lyn Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
messages. HTML and plain text versions available.
The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.