One by one they took the stage.
Children, grandchildren, friends.
Although the stories varied from person to person, the sentiment was the same.
Husband
Father
Grandfather
Great-Grandfather
Pastor
Friend
They all said the same thing.
He loved God and he loved others
The inheritance he left them would not be found written into a will.
His legacy was of an Eternal nature, not an earthly one.
His wife had asked if we would be greeters and we felt so honored.
You see, this man had poured himself into our lives, and the lives of countless others.
As we shook their hands and welcomed them to the memorial, we met their eyes and quickly realized we all shared a common bond of love and respect for this man.
And as his wife walked through the doors to enter the sanctuary, she embraced me and the tears I had been fighting finally overflowed.
He loved God and he loved others
It wasn’t rocket science, this philosophy of his.
And yet, we all know just how difficult it can be to live it out in our day-to-day lives.
But he did this.
He wasn’t perfect, but he lived every day striving to be more like the One who was perfect.
The One who is perfect!
And I know that when He finally met his Creator, his Savior, he heard the words,
“Well done, good and faithful one!”
Every time I encountered this man I left feeling better about myself.
I left wanting to pursue a closer relationship with God.
To pursue loving others more deeply.
And, as I sat in that pew listening to the testimony about this man’s life, I wondered about my own life.
Do others walk away from me feeling better about themselves?
Do I encourage them to pursue a closer relationship with God?
Do I show by my example how to love others more deeply?
Do I show by my example how to love others more deeply?
You see, that’s how I want to be remembered.
Of course I want my husband to remember me as a loving wife, partner and best friend.
Of course I want my children to remember me as the mother of all mothers!
But mostly, this is what I want people to say.
Of course I want my husband to remember me as a loving wife, partner and best friend.
Of course I want my children to remember me as the mother of all mothers!
But mostly, this is what I want people to say.
She loved God and she loved others
I want that to be my legacy.
Will He say, “well done” to me too?
Will He say, “well done” to you?
Thank you for joining me for this Simply Sunday at the Fence,
Vanessa
Thank you for joining me for this Simply Sunday at the Fence,
Vanessa
Legacy
by Nichole Nordeman
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 who’s who and so-n-so’s that used to be the best
At such’n’such … it wouldn’t matter much
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all 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
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
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
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 lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It’s an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It’s an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, “Well Done” good and faithful one…
Just want to hear instead, “Well Done” good and faithful one…
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I hope that’s the affect I have on people. I always strive for that. Another powerful and thought provoking Sunday post. Thank you.
What a powerful written testimony about a man that made such a big impression on you. What a wonderful person he must have been. I have always said that I hope people remember me for being kind…but this takes it to a whole other level…Wonderful message! xo Diana
I hope for the same legacy you and Nicole do. I love that song and haven’t heard it in some time. Thanks and God Bless, this and every day. craftythriftydecoratingwifemom.wordpress.com (new blog)
Oh, your dear friend sounds so much like my Granddaddy! He ALWAYS left people wanting more of him and the One he served. Like you, I pray my life will point people in that same direction.
I hope your lesson at church went well today!
That was beautiful…but okay you were not suppose to bring tears to my eyes. That’s okay you brought joy to my heart and my soul. Thank you for sharing your spirit!
Paula
You hit the nail on the head, girl. If only everyone on earth lived each day to be in closer union with the Lord and helped others to reach Him. andrea@townandprairie
What a beautiful tribute to give him, that he loved God and loved others. He did indeed leave a lasting legacy.
I have thought about my obituary many times. (yes, I’m morbid) and I really think I just want it to say simply, “She loved the LORD with all her heart and mind and soul and strength, and she loved her neighbor as herself.”
That’s what I want to leave. That’s what I want others to see when they see me.
How special and beautiful. We all should strive to be remembered in a wonderful way.
Kaern
Another beautiful Simply Sunday post, thanks so much for sharing. I hope and pray for the same!
Blessings,
Cindy
one of my favotite songs 🙂 <3 wonderful post. exactly what I want to leave for my kids and their families. a legacy that leads them all to the cross <3
Well written.
Beautiful, beautiful. This is the legacy I want for myself.
By the way, speaking of beautiful, I love the new photo of you in your sidebar! 🙂
Thank you so much for linking this to Grace Imparted!
Will others who come behind me find me faithful? What a great reminder for me.Thanksfor sharing that.