Yesterday we went to a Memorial Service for a man neither Norm and I have never met. I have become friends with his wife over this past year and Norm works with his daughter-in-law. It was different than any other service we had been to. It was held in the funeral home, but the place was packed out. There was no minister speaking however various members of the family stood up and talked about his life after a brief video slideshow. However we were much impressed with what was being said about this man. Between the packed house and the inspiring stories of all this man had done for the community we left there wishing we had known him. He did not go to church or associate himself with any denomination but he lived his life in a way that was a real testament to his faith. It just got me to thinking, if I died, how would people remember me? Would they get together and laugh over the goofy stuff I had done, would they remember what I had done for others? Would someone be so inspired by my story that they would blog about it? How do I want to be remembered?
When I ponder that the verse from 2 Corinthians 4:18 comes to mind. So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. I hope they remember me for the things that matter like trying to educate others about Ovarian cancer symptoms, encouraging others in their cancer journey and trying to promote literacy both through our church library and through my daughter's school. Our pastor once said that he did not think that if anyone ever came into a lot of money, they would think only on what they would get and haven't thought about how they would give back. That is not true for me. There are so many things I would love to do for our community. I would love to get them a nice library. I would love to have an old fashioned soda fountain as a safe place for kids to hang out at with Christian music playing in the background. I would love to have a large park for families to hang out. These are things that i think about when I think about my legacy. They are dreams that I hold and wish I could bring to past.
I leave you with this video called Legacy by Nichole Nordeman with the lyrics below.........
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I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such 'n such...it wouldn't matter much
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
the temporary trappings of this world
Chorus:
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon destroy
Chorus
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well done" good and faithful one
Chorus
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