Big ol' footprints

I have a wonderful devotional book that I love because it makes me think. Yesterday morning's reading really struck a chord with me:

"In our faith we follow in someone's steps. A parent, a teacher, a hero---none of us are the first to walk the trail. All of us have someone we follow. In our faith we leave footprints to guide others. A child, a friend, a recent convert. None should be left to walk the trail alone." (p.190)

photo source

It struck me how many people I think about in both my everyday and monumentous, life-changing decisions. Family members, former teachers, friends, coworkers, students. I think about what those I know have done in similar situations, what they would do if they were in my shoes. I think about speeches I've been given and experiences I've had. I think about examples and non-examples I've seen. The footprints I'm stepping in are tremendous.

I talked to both grandparents and both parents tonight. I realize how truly blessed I am that they're all in my life, and I'm thankful to them for the examples of faith and good living they've given me. I don't make many decisions without thinking about what any one of them would do first. They inspire me and provide me with more guidance than they know.

This passage also makes me wonder about the footprints I'm leaving for those who will come behind me. Will I be an example of what to do or what not to do? This makes me want to try harder to have a positive influence on those around me, particularly my impressionable little fifth graders. I pray that God will help me make good decisions and leave perfectly placed footsteps for those around me.

In whose footprints are you stepping? Do you ever think about the footprints you're leaving behind you?
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I thought this song by one of my faves, Eric Church, fit this theme nicely. (I celebrated my latest birthday "with" Eric Church...you can read all about the sweatiest night of my life here.)