A Legacy of Love

I went to a celebration of life yesterday for a loving, giving, smart, sassy and artistic woman who passed away at the age of 94. I didn't know her very well. June befriended my mother and helped her through the transition to California living. She was gracious and charming, and she made you feel like you had known each other for years. At the celebration, I listened to person after person share how June touched their lives. Her love was boundless and overflowing, and I was glad to have known her as briefly as I did.

So I have a confession to make. I went to a life celebration about five years ago that put me into somewhat of a panic. It was in a very large church and many, many people attended. I went with a friend and we both expected to hear all kinds of stories about this man. Instead, we heard a few comments about what a good job he did training people at work. That's it. My friend and I were stunned. We both left with the realization that it's not what we DO during our lifetime that counts. It's WHO we touch. It's not our accomplishments that make enduring memories, it's making a personal impact on someone's life that bears lasting fruit.

I had been obsessed up to that point with doing something of great worth so that I would not be forgotten when my short tenure on earth ends. It seemed so sad to me that one could live a lifetime and no one would remember. Since then, I have come to realize that although my life does not end with death, I have been given precious time on this planet to serve God by loving "us" ~ His children.

I heard that about love at my dad's life celebration with story after story being told of how he encouraged others to live their dreams. My dad will not be remembered for how smart or witty he was, for his hunting prowess, for his military service. No, my dad will live on in the hearts and lives of those he touched because he cared. Just as June will live on in those she touched.

And that's the kind of legacy I want to leave. A legacy of love. A legacy of following the greatest commandment of all ~

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind...(and) love one another; as I (Jesus) have loved you.