I was looking closely at this incredible picture of the sunset that we have taken of the Outer Banks, and as I did I was struck by thought. The impressions left in the sand are footprints (no surprise here). Perhaps even handprints..... (Maybe even a few faceprints based - on the way the people were running down the dunes.)
What I imagined, were all the lives represented by each one. How many were happy, hurting, well, sick, afraid, confused, concerned, overburdened, and alone. How many marriages represented? Each footprint bears a life story. The sand captures a very temporary imprint of someones presence. When the wind blows, the imprint is gone.
In my blog title: Handprints; the impressions they leave, I reference the actual mark others leave on your life. You may have terrible memories - "marks", "handprints", "impressions"- someone has left behind in your life. You may have a lot of love for the people you live with, or brushed by in your journey. For me....I have both and I believe we all do. Life seems to drag on if you carry ugly things in your heart, and that is why we are required to let them go and forgive. It is the ONLY way to live in peace. God knows this so well because he sent his Son for that very reason - forgiveness. It would be nice if our hurts could blow away like the prints in the sand. Actually, they can...
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
God's purification is the ultimate wind to wash over the sand dunes of our lives. We can forgive and be forgiven. I want to be conscience of the impressions I am leaving on people. So today, on the day of Independence and celebration of freedom, I will choose ultimate, eternal freedom. The freedom from sin through forgiveness.
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What an excellent post, Sheri!
ReplyDeleteSheri, I agree. I was also thinking that that must have been a similar image to the one of Moses leading the people across the sands.
ReplyDeleteIt is funny how images like that can reoccur througout time.
Absolutely brilliant and inspiring...thanks so much for sharing, Sheri!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sheri, for a message I needed to read today. The past impressions on our lives really do mold us, and life does drag on when we don't forgive and give it to God. I read Proverbs 15 today and says in verse 15: all the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast. I believe that means blessings occur when we are not dwelling on bad things, but continue to smile and overlook/forgive offenses. We are cheerful when we praise God and give him everything--good and bad. And definitely when we forgive others, then God can forgive us. :) luv, Dawn
ReplyDeleteI reposted this to remind myself.
ReplyDelete