Footprints

One night I had a dream-
I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord
And across the sky flashed scenes from my life.
For each scene I noticed two sets of footprints,
One belonged to me, and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of my life flashed before me,
I looked back at the footprints in the sand.
I noticed many times along the path of my life,
There was only one set of footprints.
I also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
And saddest times in my life.
This really bothered me and I questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said once I decided to follow you,
You would walk with me all the way,
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
There is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why in times when I needed you most,
You should leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child,
I love you and I would never, never leave you
During your times of trial and suffering.
When you saw only one set of footprints,
It was then that I carried you."
                  -Mary Stevenson