Legacy

Yesterday, a Proverbs 31 woman was laid to rest and I attended her funeral. Her name is Norma, and she is not a close family member in the sense of relativity or genealogy. But she is close in my heart as well as my husband's. Her family is close knit, and they have been devastated by her loss, even if they are elated that she is with the Father and her husband now.

In the service her son delivered a moving eulogy. The things he said of her were so very honorable. So very loving and warm, as well as funny. We were all moved to tears at his words.

 Proverbs 31: 28 was read and in our online Bible study we have been in Proverbs, so that was a particular blessing to me.

"Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her."
The pastor pointed out what a blessing she was to her family and to the church.

Verse 20: "...Yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy" He spoke of the work she'd done in her church, and how active she was for years and years, still attending Sunday School as often as health would permit. In past years she carried countless children to VBS, and worked with the Red Cross in relief efforts.

 When asked what her greatest accomplishment was, she would always answer, "Having and raising my three children who I love." 
On the way home, and afterward, I thought about what was said about this woman. I pondered on how loved she was and what kind of legacy she left.

 Will that be the kind of legacy I leave?  Will my children rise up and call me blessed? Have I done the kind of job raising them and loving them that would leave them with words and feelings such as these? Do I have such a countenance that my daughter would gladly spend years taking care of me and being my companion? Or am I so self centered, and shallow that spending time with me would be a burden? Will my church family care enough about me to fill the church to overflowing at my passing? Or am I just taking up space in a pew?

When I leave this world, I hope and pray two of the many many good things spoken about Norma, are said about me by my children and by church members and friends. She was an active and devoted child of God, and she was loved greatly by her family.  If this is a selfish wish, I will admit guilt. 

I had a dream once, where God asked me the one thing I wanted of Him. I answered, "To be remembered as kind." He told me He would grant that request, but it would cause me regret. I'm not sure what he meant, but I think it was that being kind would leave me unable to defend myself at times.  If that is the case, I bear that burden gladly. Leaving a legacy of kindness is a good thing I think.