Hello God. It's me, Mara

You know, Lord, there really is something to the saying, there is richness in self-worth. Oh, we’re not to feel superior to siblings, co-workers, or friends, for instance, but it’s important to know how valuable we are to You, Lord; after all, that is what the plan of salvation tells us.

One can’t help but notice that as technology advances, advertising campaigns are on the bandwagon touting expensive gifts for kids. Have You noticed, Lord, that kids expect more and appreciate it less? They’re missing out on making memories, a gift our parents gave us. Most toys and gifts received in our childhood are long gone, broken or forgotten but we all have a wealth of shared moments with godly parents.

One special memory is a trip to Violet Springs. Mom packed a lunch; Daddy gassed up the jeep and off we bounced across the prairie, over hills, down through valleys until we came to a beautiful green meadow with a bubbling spring of water surrounded by a bed of violets. We kids had never seen anything quite as beautiful as that flower bed with running water that no man had created.

’Twas long ago, but Daddy probably told us about God creating this special place, untouched by human hands. We sat enthralled, enjoying our picnic lunch on this beautiful early summer day; then back home to chores but with a beautiful memory.

Memories are a treasure which keeps its owners rich. Of course, this wasn’t our only memory-making trip for we did experience many shared wonders in nature, God’s art, a wealth our parents brought into play to instill in us love and respect for God’s creation. Thank You, Lord, for allowing our family to have a home on the prairie, where we experienced a spiritual prosperity to know that You cherish every soul, just as John 3:16 tells us.

Love, Mara