Today, I went to the funeral home to visit with friends and family of one of my church members who went to be with God a few days ago. She was a precious saint with a youthful and joyful spirit. She lived with challenges that affected her mental and physical capabilities, but everyone who knew her, knew how easily she transcended her circumstances.

As I visited with her sister, I shared my one of my favorite memories. While she was still able to attend Sunday Worship, our precious friend blessed me every week. At the close of each service, she would make her way out the center isle with her sister, her face would show that she was deep in thought. As she reached the back of the Sanctuary, where I was greeting, she would look up at me, her face would break out in a huge smile. “I know you!” she would shout, and then she would embrace me with a giant hug. She would laugh, tell me something special for that day, and then be on her way.

Her exuberant love was always such a blessing. In recent years, her challenges restricted more of her activities. She was no longer able to attend services and it finally came to a point where she needed the help of a skilled nursing center. Even so, her love and joy were not diminished. She continued to bless those around her with the precious gifts God gave to her.

As I reflect on her life today, and pray for the ability to help others do the same tomorrow, I cannot help but ponder how she is blessing all of heaven with that smile and those hugs. I can just see her as she meets her Lord, looking up with a beaming smile and shouting, “I know you!” as she embraces him and enters into the joy of her new life with God.

I pray that I can leave similar footprints of joy and grace. It is a good goal for us all, as we seek to share God’s great love with the world around us.