My 90-year-old father-in-law -- Paul Reed -- died one Saturday morning. The next Tuesday I conducted his funeral in the sanctuary of Bethany (OK) First Church of the Nazarene. [ more on my father-in-law ]
Having to put together a funeral service and prepare a sermon for it has made me think a lot about what I want to be remembered for.
What kind of legacy do I want to leave? To be sure, I probably have a few years left. However, when the time comes and I'm gone, what will people remember about me? Or, even more than that, what kind of influence do I hope will remain in those people who crossed paths with me?
Here are some random thoughts that went through my mind as I prepared for that funeral service:
Note written for the newsletter of the Nazarene Association of Retired Ministers and Missionaries based in Bethany, OK
Half a century or so ago, Barbara and I said goodbye to fellow ministry students at college graduation and then four years later at seminary graduation time. We had no idea we would wind up in our retirement living in the same metro area with many of those former classmates. ARMM has given us the opportunity to reconnect with them.
We were idealistic back then. Not all of our lofty dreams came true. We didn't accomplish for the Kingdom all that we had hoped to. Our paths took twists and turns we never anticipated. However, the ideals we cherished then remain valid today and, at ARMM, we celebrate each other's faithfulness
We also mourn those who dropped out along the way. Some let other alluring voices drown out the call. Some allowed sin to take root and flourish and destroy. We mourn the trail of broken ordination vows left by some of our classmates.
Still, in the middle of the sweet and the bitter -- the warm camaraderie of those finishing the race together and the sad memory of others who should have been here -- we join Andrae Crouch in singing, "Through it all, I've learned to trust in Jesus . . . I've learned to depend upon His Word."
-- Howard Culbertson
Leaving a legacy is not merely about grandiose gestures or monumental achievements. Leaving a legacy is about the impact we make on the lives of others and the world around us. Every action, every word, abd every decision shapes our legacy. Our legacy is being formed by the way we treat people, by the kindness we extend, and the empathy we show. It's shaped by the knowledge we share, the wisdom we impart, and the inspiration we ignite.[p>
Whether through acts of service, contributions to knowledge, or simply being a source of support and love for those around us, our legacy gets woven into the fabric of the lives we touch. By striving to live with integrity, compassion, and purpose, we can leave behind a positive legacy that will influence the world long after we're gone..