Footprints in the sand

[Varabhaya]

One night a man had a dream. He dreamed he was walking along the beach
with GOD. Across the sky flashed scenes from his life. For each scene,
he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand: One belonged to him,
the other to GOD.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him he looked back at
the footprints in the sand. He noticed that many times along the path
of his life there was only one set of foot prints. He also noticed
that it happened at the lowest and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned GOD about it. "GOD, you
said that once I decided to follow you you would walk with me all of
the way But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times of
my life there is only one set of footprints. I don't understand why,
when I needed you the most, you would leave me."

And GOD replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would
never leave you. During your times of trial and suffering when you
see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.