Hello, God. It's me, Mara.

You know, Lord, it was special listening to several teens talk about their visit to a rest home, visiting a woman named Violet on Mother's Day. They said she smiled as they stopped in to visit with her. The hot, sticky, midday air came into her little group home unabated, but she didn't complain. Instead, she began wracking her mind for a song to sing. Then a huge smile appeared and she sang, "I am running, skipping, jumping, praising the Lord!" As she sang, she swung her arms back and forth as if she were running. Tears came to those around her, for Violet had no legs. She was singing because she said, "Jesus loves me – and in heaven I will have legs to run with. I'm so glad my Mother used to sing this song with me and for me!"

Violet's joy and hopeful anticipation of heaven give new vibrancy to Paul's words in Philippians 1, when he referred to life-and-death issues. "If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me," he said. "I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far." (vv. 22-23).

The kids knew we'd face tough times that may cause us to long for the promise of heavenly relief. But Violet showed them joy despite her current circumstances; we too, can keep running, skipping, praising the Lord, both for the abundant life He gives us here and for the ultimate joy that awaits us.

As the kids prepared to depart, Violet said, "Aren't we glad that we have a Home with Jesus? You can read that in John 14:3, "I go to prepare a place for you!" She smiled, waved and said, 'Happy Mother's Day', as they departed. They beamed and waved back at Violet.

Thank You, Lord, for joy that's never ending.

Love Mara