If you have ever read the poem "Footprints," you know that we never really walk alone. As we walked on the beach in Ocean Park, Maine I often contemplated that theory. Are we really alone in this world trying to figure things out for ourselves or are we really accompanied by something bigger then ourselves? Aside from the obvious family and friends that share our journey in life, is there someone or something else guiding our path? The best thing God ever did was create pets, specifically, Dogs. I am a cat person too and have my loyalties to my childhood pets but currently, my heart lies in Blackie! If ever there was a time when I needed to feel God walking beside me, on this cool and rainy Maine day, Blackie left her mark to evoke assurance that I am not alone in this world. As always I had my camera with me on our walk through Ocean Park. I had never been to Ocean Park in October and I have been going there my whole life. It was a sight to be seen and I found myself over and over again, praising the beauty around me and basking in the sights of the Fall foliage turning just shy of peak. The colors were brilliant, fiery, vibrant and made me feel alive with each glance. I was a kid in the candy store, or better yet a child setting eyes on the packages piled high under a Christmas tree before anyone had woken up yet! I could not get over the amazing colors that would transform a landscape, that for many months all wore the same shades of green (a uniform solidarity despite the vast variety of species), and bring out the uniqueness hiding within. Everything once appearing to be similar now carrying unique traits that made each tree stand out from the next. A powerful thought, we are all human yet we have so much to offer that is more then skin deep. Even more empowering, how great to be able to look deeper, be more thoughtful, and express how our differences we hold within, can create such beauty. Walking through the woods towards the beach, I knew that I was not alone. I knew that this creation of Mother Earth was alive, for me to breathe in, to appreciate and care for.
So, as I walked to the beach and happened upon Blackie's paw prints in the sand (following behind as to capture life's moments in a picture) I was reminded of the poem "Footprints". We all walk the earth looking upward for guidance. There has to be more to this life, why else would we leave our mark here? I came upon Blackie's "paw prints" in the sand and smiled. Always faithful, always by my side, she is leaving her mark in my life. Kidd, her father, my other beloved dog who has passed on, certainly left his paw prints on my mind and in my heart. Back to the poem. Just when times get tough and I have found the need to take in a deep breath and sigh, I remind myself that I am not alone. I realized that the impressions of those who walk before us impact our daily lives. I am learning to develop my faith, to trust in it and to express that in my actions. I am trying to be more peaceful and gain a sense of my contributions to this planet. Beacuse in the end it will impact others.
In the creation of the beautiful beach I was walking on, as the waves calmly rolled in never the same, erasing prints left in the sand, I realized life is ever changing. Each day is a blessing and a chance to do things differently. Each day is an opportunity to live out unfinished plans and dreams. If I rely on my faith, and those who walk along side of me, I can make anything possible. I can look forward to a wonderful future knowing that the footprints I have left behind me impacted others. It is my hope that my impressions left are positive ones. Nature is a wonderful thing! On a walk through one of the most beautiful places on earth, breathing in the fresh air, clarity fell upon me. Live each day enjoying all that surrounds you for it gives great inspiration! And if you ever wonder if you are alone in this world, don't. You can be sure that there IS something bigger then ourselves out there, for it made the earth. Nature is all around us and breathtaking! Make each "paw print" that you leave behind count!
