Footprints

When you go to some natural monuments in this country, you may notice that there are signs telling you to leave nothing behind.  They are very careful that the footprints left are gentle upon the earth.  This is particularly the case in ecologically-sensitive places. 

I am reminded of the wheel ruts left by Conestoga wagons on a bit of the Oregon Trail in Wyoming.  The ruts are about four feet deep in spots, but if you assume that there has been some erosion over the years, chances are they went deeper than that at one time.  This is a fragile place where the interaction with the monument could erase a significant event in our history.

But walking gently upon the earth doesn’t just intend that we do no harm to the planet.  It means that we interact with each other in a sensitive and caring manner, as well.  It means that the words we speak to each other, the tone we take, should reflect respect and kindness.

I recently purchased a wooden item at a thrift store.  It was bare wood and I intend to finish it.  As I stood in line, the lady ahead of me turned to sneer, “That’s cute,” regarding the item.  I smiled and said, “It will be.”  Was it necessary for her to imply superiority by making her negative remark?  Not at all.  But even those who trade in thrift stores will have to bolster their egos by putting others down.  It’s shameful and unnecessary.

We don’t know how much damage we can do when we make hurtful remarks to others.  Different doesn’t require that we condemn.  We are meant to show our love to all people.  Our petty jealousy is something that we must learn to keep in check.  We need to ask ourselves what it is within us that is lacking, that we must concern ourselves with the choices and attributes of others.  If we encourage others at all times, we display confidence and security of our own well-being.  Make a conscious decision to love others, to make their lives better as we walk gently upon the earth.

May you be richly blessed!