Everyday I read the local obituaries in the online newspaper. I think I started doing this a couple years ago when I retired from teaching. Maybe because I am getting older, but I find myself reading them for several reasons.
First of all, of course I look to see if I know anyone who has passed. Whether they are personally known by me or perhaps a family member of a friend or acquaintance. But even if I don't know the person, I read through their obituary and see what they did with their life.
I am always encouraged by the ones who leave a legacy behind that shows a life well lived. I think that is what we all strive for, a legacy to leave behind to be remembered by after we have died. It doesn't have to be a monumental achievement, such as an advanced degree and profession. It doesn't have to be someone who reached an advanced age, anyone at any age can leave a legacy of their life that honors their time here on earth.
Today I read about a lady who will be remembered for her love of her family and how she dressed up as Mrs. Claus with her husband as Santa to share Christmas joy throughout their lifetime. Yesterday I read about a lady who traveled the world and United States with her husband while he served in the Navy and after a lifetime of service she still went to school and achieved her nursing degree to work as a registered nurse to help others. I did not know either of these individuals, but I feel enriched by reading about how they lived their lives serving others.
My best friend Beth left a legacy behind with the lives of her three boys, and what wonderful men they have grown up to be. She also left joy in my heart as I always remember her laugh and mannerisms and her artwork as well as the indelible imprint she left on my life. Her life was not long, but she certainly left a legacy behind.
I think reading about others encourages me to live a life to leave a story behind as well. It gives me courage to share what is in my heart in print, and to love the people around me extravagantly without reservations.
I want to leave a legacy of doing my best to witness about God's love and faithfulness. Not by standing on a street corner or by a showy display but by quietly living in obedience with his word as best as I can and loving others in the hope that they will want to read the bible and find the all encompassing joy and hope in faith that I have found. It's so powerful, how can you not want others to have it too. We all live messy lives, our paths are crooked and filled with both happy and challenging events. How we live and respond to those circumstances molds the legacy we leave behind.
My hope and prayer is that each person I come into contact with, or perhaps just the ones that will read about my life one day, will feel something that they can take with them the same way I feel when I read about others lives. A life well lived doesn't have to be showy or extraordinary. It just needs to leave behind a legacy of love.
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