Walk in my Footprints

Mother's Day.   Since my own sweet mama made her transition, each year's observance is bittersweet .... filled with thankfulness, but too, a sense of loss so deep ... there are no words.  

I think it appropriate today to share a song penned by the music director of my former congregation in Florida.   I can soooo identify with these lyrics.   Perhaps you might, as well?

Footprints

- Sue K. Riley

When I was just a little girl, out walking in the snow,

Following my mother on an errand long ago.

The air was cold, the snow was deep -- I struggled not to fall.

My mother could not carry me, because her arms were full.

So with her voice of love, she said to me:

"Just walk in my footprints, walk in my footprints.

Stay right behind me and I will lead the way.
I know you are frightened, but I will keep you safe,

And you shall know no harm.

Just walk in my footprints."

Just thinking of the many things I learned at Mother's knee.

How to cook and how to sew and my identity.....

She taught me Truth so wonderful in it's simplicity,

And molded me with quiet strength to stand on my own feet.

Yes, I'm the fruits of labor from a carefully tended garden;

Her loving hands have gently sheltered me.

And though while I was small, she held me close within her shadow.

Yet as I grew, she knew to set me free.

Now, where did all the years go?

There's silver in her hair.
Though time has held her gently, her body seems quite frail.

And sometimes she is lonely and needs some comforting,

But the sampling she has nurtured has grown into a tree.

And with a voice of love I say to her,

"Just walk in my footprints, walk in my footprints.

Stay right behind me and I will lead the way.

I know you are frightened, but I will keep you safe,

And you shall know no harm......"

Just walk in my footprints."

Happy Mother's Day, everyone .... and a blessed new week!