FOLLOW My holiday at the beach is over for another year. We had a wonderful time, slowing down. One of my absolute favourite things to do is walk on the sand. You can’t walk on the beach without leaving footprints. I tried. No matter how gently or carefully I tread, there was evidence of my presence to anyone who walked behind. The beach was covered in footprints – children jumping and skipping, adults with serious fitness goals, birds, dogs, and wanderers like myself. Each part of the beach was marked with the footprint of those who passed. It got me thinking… wherever we go, and whomever we encounter, we leave a mark behind us. There is always evidence, but it often isn’t clear or obvious. Have you ever tried to follow in someone else’s footprints in the sand? It’s hard, but it’s kind of fun to try. The reality of course is that we are all following someone, and all too often, it’s not particularly intentional or considered. We follow the influence of people in our lives, good and bad. We act and react to things we see, hear and feel without a lot of thought about what direction it’s taking us. When our daughter was about three years old, my husband asked her to do something simple like put her shoes away. It was a simple, very normal request asked in a kind and gentle tone of voice. No one was angry or annoyed, tired or stressed. Then my sweet little three year old, in a booming voice replied, “No never, you moron!”
34 FEB/MAR 20 QB.ORG.AU
MY EXAMPLE
