August 8, 2022
Meteors streak across the sky and then they’re gone. The brightest ones leave a streak that fades within seconds. Our lives seem like that sometimes. Although the years may pass slowly when we are young, as we get older, they seem to fly by. One day spring flowers are blooming, and the next day we are decorating for Christmas. Or so it seems.
We realize that someday in the not-so-distant future, our mortal life will blaze out, and we will graduate into eternity. For Christians, that is something to look forward to. However, sometimes I think about what I will leave behind. Speaking of physical objects, that thought motivates me to declutter and get rid of things I no longer need. I don’t want my kids complaining about the mess I left for them to clean up! And I hope to leave a little financial gift for them when I am gone, as well.
More important, however, is the spiritual legacy I want to leave. Some of this can be shared now through my books and devotionals. (a motivation to keep writing) Most of it will depend upon the kind of life I lead. How will family, friends, and church members remember me when I am gone? As someone who followed the rules, but kept to herself, or even worse, was quick to judge others? Or as a person who was quick to listen, forgiving of mistakes, and always willing to lend a hand?
Will we leave any brightness behind, or will our memory vanish like a minor meteor? What can we do now so that our memory inspires others and perhaps even leads them to the God we love and serve? I think it helps to remember what Jesus said: to love God and to love others. A very simple command, but sometimes not so easy to follow. However, as we do our best—and ask the Holy Spirit to help us—our words and actions can reflect, however imperfectly, the beautiful light of God. Then as our lives fade, the brightness of His love shown through us will still remain.
Interested in ways to leave a legacy of love behind? My friend, Melody Miller, has a site called Heritage of Hope that can help you. https://finishlifewell.org/
