A Legacy Worth Leaving

I attended a funeral yesterday. One of my dear friends lost her mother rather suddenly last Thursday...yes on the day of our blizzard.
As I sat there during the service listening to the minister comment about the legacy this woman left behind, I couldn't help but wonder what my own legacy would be. What will people say about me when I'm gone?
This dear woman was sweet and kind, and poured such love into her family. She was dedicated to her church, and was a good neighbor to all. Proverbs 31 was quoted about the Godly woman, and I know it's all true of Mrs. Jean. She was a sweetheart. She never failed to welcome me with a smile and open arms. And many times, she embraced me as one of her own on a holiday that found me many miles from my natural family.
The family and friends who are left to cherish her memory will hold near to their hearts each gesture of love. Mrs. Jean will be remembered with tenderness, and will be greatly missed.

What about my life? How will I be remembered? And better yet...how do I want to be remembered? ...because those very ideas will determine my actions now. If I only want to be known as a nice person, I probably don't have to change much. I smile at my neighbors, take cookies to the widow next door, and work hard for my boss. I don't drink or smoke, or toss litter in the streets. Is that enough?
So I sit and ponder these things. Without a doubt, the greatest thing in this life is knowing Jesus. He makes this life worth living. I am reminded (by Bill Johnson) that this life is not our home, but simply our assignment. This life is but a breath. Our purpose is eternal.
I was created in God's image to love Him and to have fellowship with Him...this world is only the practice session for heaven. I was also created to be a witness of His love and grace. This becomes the pursuit - to know Jesus so intimately that people can see Him when they look at me. And friends, I'm not there yet. But I so want to be...because I believe that's the secret to a legacy worth leaving.