Teaching with joy is not for the faint of heart. In this beautiful story, the late Judy-Arin Krupp reminds us of the importance of commitment and perseverance to any task we choose to undertake. Her own life was a wonderful example of how to live with commitment, determination, humor, and joy.

The sign, written in black marker on white sheeting, hung over a nursing home. My legs felt heavy. My pace had slowed. Under the banner sat senior citizens in wheelchairs. The printed words burned into my psyche, giving me renewed strength. My stride quickened. At age 52, nearing the end of this, my first marathon, a marathon for which I was not assiduously prepared, I hurt everywhere—even places I didn't know I had. My senses had dulled, so I neither saw nor heard the cheering crowd. Yet, the words on that sign continued to drive my legs: Life's A Marathon, Be In It.