What Will I Leave Behind?

I missed last week’s Thursday Ramblings From the Road.  Wednesday, I knew I needed to put fingers to keyboard.  But while I was able to do so, it was all work.  I was disappointed in myself and knew that I could not let it happen two weeks in a row.   So now I sit, pondering about what I should write. 

When I have the thought or an inspiration of what to write, I usually go with it.  This week is different.  I have felt the need to consider what you the reader will think.  So, I push it back and within minutes it makes itself back to the forefront.  After 10 or 15 minutes of “come forward” and “push back” it is clear to me that I should write about the original inspiration.  So bear with me, here goes.

A terrorist died this week.  There seems to be much debate over whether or not we as Christians should “celebrate” the death of another.  That, however, is not the subject of this writing.  The legacy lthe terrorist left behind is.

I have wondered at random times this week who is mourning his passing?  How many family, friends, or co-workers (?) are sad?  If he had had a typical memorial service, how many people would have waited for the microphone so they could share a memory? And, would that memory be funny or sad?   I am pretty sure I know how he will be remembered by most of the world, but how will he be remembered by those that he loved, those closest to him?  What is his legacy?

This caused me to think about my legacy.  While I am not comparing myself to a terrorist, I like him am a human being.    When I join my father and other loved ones in heaven, sitting at the feet of Jesus, what memories will I have left behind?  How will I be remembered? 

I want to be remembered as a daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and child of God.  Someone who lived for Christ.  Someone who internally and externally demonstrated the fruits of the spirit.  Someone who tried to leave the world a better place.  Someone who was seen as a Godly woman more often than she was not.  Someone who loved to worship through song.  Someone who loved teaching children about our Lord.    Someone with a sense of humor that admittedly at times pushed the envelope.  Someone who was truly blessed.  Someone who had a positive impact on others and spent more time building others up as opposed to tearing them down.  Someone who wasn’t afraid to share her faith with strangers.   

I cannot leave this legacy without God.  It is only through Him and with Him that I can become the child He wants me to be.  Every day brings it own challenges, but I cannot do it on my own.    Nor do I want to.  I have tried and it does not work!  This is the message I shared with the young woman sitting next to me on the plane last week. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.  Galatians 5:22-23

 

Have a blessed week . . .