Footprints and Sandcastles

observer on a beach -- "That sandcastle has seen better days."

me -- "Sandcastles are not meant to last."

Generally speaking, footprints and sandcastles are not meant to last. Relatively quickly, perhaps in the blink of an eye, they are swept away or washed away by wind, surf, rain, or other natural or man-made implements of their degradation and ultimate destruction.

I realize that this is not exactly a novel or profound observation. But sometimes we may forget that footprints, sandcastles, and other evidence of our existence may be swept away or washed away in time. We may leave something behind that will last, at least for an extended period of time. We may leave behind people whose lives we have touched. We may leave behind children that spawn new generations. But in time memories fade and disappear as the people that remember us depart this world. Even tombstones and monuments can crumble, erode, and fade until the identity of the person being remembered and honored is a mystery.

Very few of the total number of people that have ever lived on this planet have made such a mark on the world that they are remembered in any meaningful way several generations after they have lived. Some of us will make history. Some of us will gain fame or notoriety. Many more will of us will pass our genetic heritage on to future generations that will keep our memory alive in the form of genealogical records and perhaps a story or two. But fading into eventual obscurity and anonymity is the way that it is likely to be for many of us.

"So what are you trying to say, Greg? Is this just some sad, nihilistic view of the world that you feel like sharing on your little blog in the the twilight of your life, old man?" Not at all (and shame on you for being so nasty and condescending with your questions 😉).

We leave footprints where we go. They may not last, but that doesn't matter. The journey itself matters. The journey matters even if the only one that will remember it for all eternity is our Creator. You will leave footprints, but unless you are worried about being tracked just keep on making footprints. Enjoy being. Enjoy the footsteps. Enjoy the journey. Have travels and adventures. Leave footprints that may not last.

And sandcastles? We don't build sandcastles to last. We build sandcastles for the fun of it. We build sandcastles to create, to dream, and to imagine. So build a sandcastle once in a while even if it is only on the beaches in your mind.

🌊 🏰 👣🏖️🌞