Happy Trails
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada and this song holds a precious memory…
(Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing) “Happy trails to you, until we meet again.”
Well, that was quite unusual. Why this song “Happy Trails?” Well, it reminds me of my Aunt Lee and Uncle Eddie. When I started elementary school, Aunt Lee knew my love of horses, and she gave me a Roy Rogers lunchbox. When I’d stay overnight at their house up the street, I’d sit on the couch with Uncle Eddie and Aunt Lee, and we’d watch TV together; I would lay my head on her lap, and she would rub my head until I was ready for bed. The next morning when it was time to go, she’d wave goodbye at me at the door, singing “Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Happy trails to you, keep smiling until then.” And you can see why Aunt Lee was my favorite.
Many, many years later when I moved to California to start Joni and Friends, I kept in touch with Aunt Lee. So, it broke my heart when, in the 1990s, I learned that she developed stomach cancer – a terribly painful cancer. Aunt Lee spent a lot of time in the hospital. And later, she went into hospice. My mom and daddy stood by Uncle Eddie’s side there at Aunt Lee’s bed. She was a believer and was greatly comforted by the Scriptures and the hymns that my mom and dad harmonized on. But right before she passed away, they called me out here in California and asked if I would pray for Aunt Lee. And I was so glad when they called. But before I said goodbye and before I hung up, I sang one more song: “Happy trails to you, until we meet again. Aunt Lee, happy trails to you, keep smiling until then.” My family chimed in, there around the bed. And we all knew the song; it was always the close out of the Roy Rogers show on TV. But this time, it was a precious anthem that yes, one day, we will meet again, just like the song says, in heaven.
2 Corinthians chapter 1 talks about the importance of comforting others with the same comfort we’ve received from God. That comfort can come in the form of a visit, a Scripture, prayer, a Christ-centered poem, especially a worship song or a hymn. Or maybe even a Roy Rogers song like “Happy Trails.” So, if you know someone who is struggling with a life-threatening illness, find a very creative way to give Spirit-blessed comfort that’ll be designed just for them to strengthen them and encourage them. And to help you do that, I want to give you a gift, a mini book called “Lessons From a Hospital Bed” written by John Piper. I had the honor of writing the foreword; I guess John knows I’m pretty experienced when it comes to hospitals. Anyway, it’s an excellent little gift to give that friend or family member who is laid up right now. The lessons Dr. Piper shares are so practical, and you can get your free copy today at joniradio.org. Just ask for “Lessons From a Hospital Bed.” Again, that’s joniradio.org. And until we meet again here on Joni and Friends, may I say, “Happy trails to you!”
(Roy Rogers and Dale Evans singing.):
“Who cares about the clouds when we’re together?
Just sing a song, and bring the sunny weather.
Happy trails to you, ‘til we meet again.
‘Til we meet again.”
(Joni singing) “Happy trails to you.”
© Joni and Friends
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Lessons From A Hospital Bed
Sickness is hard. The combination of physical discomfort, emotional stress, anxious thoughts, and long stretches of boredom can make it difficult to remember – much less rely on and rejoice in – our good and sovereign God. Reflecting on ten lessons he learned while recovering in the hospital, John Piper encourages those struggling with illness to fight for faith by focusing on the promises of God, the truth of the Gospel, and the reality of eternity.
