How do you want to be remembered?
When I was younger I didn’t put a lot of thought into that question. I think we’re often guilty of only bring that thought to our minds when we say goodbye to a loved one or are faced with some kind of life change.
To be honest, I don’t like putting my energy into that thought too much because it has the potential to make my, “worry wart” heart, anxious. I’m sure I’m not alone in that.
The last few week’s I have had the privilege of sitting through services of remembrance. I’ve gotten to listen to people talk about their loved ones that have gone home before them. I’ve had moments to sit and reflect on the memories I’ve had with the people I love, who have passed. Memories that make me both happy and sad. It’s always so bitter-sweet, I’m so very grateful for the time I had with them but my heart aches to see them again.
I remember,
My grandpa’s hugs and willingness to play
My dad’s hands and his butterfly kisses
My mother in law’s small stature and feistiness
My father in law’s untamed beard and silliness
I also remember how kind they were, how often they asked for forgiveness, their wit, their prayers. In a lot of ways, they pointed me to Jesus without even knowing it. They showed me what it was like to be authentic and that in a dark world, God still put lights into it.
The opportunity we have now is to be that example to the people we encounter. With a little bit of intention, we can make a difference in the lives of the people we love, in turn embodying Jesus here on earth.
My answer to our question is; I want to be remembered as a person who loved God. A person who was compassionate and kind, someone who loved first and offered grace. Someone who was quick to ask for forgiveness and gave encouragement. I want my kids to remember me as someone who was silly and quick to play, who made them laugh but mostly as someone who, not only, taught them about Jesus but showed them.
I don’t know about you but that sounds like a fruitful life!
A life that is content, connected, and evidence of God’s love.
A life that leads people to Jesus.
I’m sure you want yours to do the same. Jesus, in His goodness, tells us how to do that.
In John 15: 5-6 it says
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”
In John 15: 7-8
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 8 This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
We see in John that the life we want is also the life God wants for us.
The only thing we have to do is “remain in Him”.
Remain in Jesus, stay connected to the True Vine, then no matter what storm comes we will be rooted in Him.
When we remain connected to the Vine we will begin to look more and more like Him, taking on His characteristics and His nature!
We do that by getting to know Jesus. By following Him, His words, His actions. We fill ourselves with worship and thankfulness, with gratitude and grace. By being honest with Him and following His lead. By saturating ourselves with Holiness and evaluating the things that take up our time and attention and asking God to reveal in us the things that need to be changed or eliminated. Spend time in prayer and devotion. All of those things are doable with a little bit of intention and discipline. (I’m preaching to the Choir here!)
Today, I’m making an effort to make the goal for my life to be intentionally connected to the Vine!! In the hopes that when my time comes and those I love gather to remember me, they will say “she looked and loved an awful lot like Jesus”!
I’m asking you to reflect on that question today and I’m praying that God shows you what He wants most for you and your legacy.
How do you want to be remembered?
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