The last few weeks have been really unsettling in some ways. We are in the process of changing some insurance policies in preparation for writing out a proper will. It’s something we have talked about for several years but never got around to doing. The questions asked on the forms needed to start that process really got me thinking. It might seem a bit morbid to think about your death on one hand but really it’s something that is inevitable so we might as well talk about it or at least think about it. Where do I want to be buried? What kind of service do I want? Who gets what? It’s not an easy subject to bring up on a Tuesday evening but one we all need to have at least some ideas about. I know too many friends who have been put through the ringer in the legal system by not being prepared.

If we’re all honest with ourselves, we want to know that at our funeral, our loved ones and friends will gush about how wonderful and caring we were and how much we will be missed. And that got me thinking about my legacy. You know, the things that you will be remembered for; the things that made a difference in people’s life. So how do we prepare for the end of our life? By taking stock right now.

Think about the kind of person we want people to remember and make that happen today. For me, I’d love people to say that I loved deeply, that I made an impact in their lives, that I taught by example, that I made them feel special and loved. I want the people whose lives I’ve touched to remember me as someone who shared my gifts and talents and taught them how to use theirs. I’d love to know that my words brought healing and encouragement as well as challenged people to be what God called them to be.

All of that sounds great but how do I accomplish that? By asking God to show me how. How to see the greatness in those around me and give practical ways to draw out those strengths. To be honest with those closest to me who need direction and guidance in their weaknesses as well as being willing to have them do the same for me. Asking God to give me the ability to use my giftings in service to others so they grow and increase.  I believe that when we do this, we encourage others to use and grow their own strengths and talents.

How do I use my words to bring healing to those who are hurting? By first accepting that God forgave me and then forgiving others. By allowing Him to heal all the broken pieces in my own life so that I am able to share my story and bring hope to others who are hurting. I have seen God use even the broken places in my life to bring about healing to others who are facing the same battles. I strive to understand just how powerful words are. I tell my granddaughters daily that they are beautiful and that I love them. Most days I ask them “Have I told you today how beautiful you are?” They hear it so much that they answer, “Yes Mimi! You told me that a thousand times!” But I know deep down they love it and wait for it each day. Don’t we all? Don’t we all long to hear those words from those that love them? Never take for granted that your loved ones and close friends know that you love them. Tell them. Often. Daily, if necessary. Let them know that you see them. That they matter. That they were thought of.

This isn’t always easy or simple. Loving others can be a challenge at times. We want to give love but if we know it won’t be reciprocated, it makes it hard. That’s when I remember that the Bible says even while we were still sinners, God loved us. It wasn’t after we accepted His free gift. It was while we were dirty, broken and enemies with God. That’s when He reached out and pulled us out of the dirt and mire. That’s when He sent His precious and only Son to rescue us. That verse in Romans chapter 5, says that at just the right time He did this. Hillsong has a beautiful worship song called the Scandal of Grace. When you think about it, grace is scandalous. Listen to the words to that song.

Too much to make sense of it all
I know that your love breaks my fall
The scandal of grace, you died in my place
So my soul will live

Oh to be like you
Give all I have just to know you
Jesus, there's no one besides you
Forever the hope in my heart

Oh to be like Jesus. To give it all just to be sure that those around me know Him. That is my greatest wish and prayer for my life. That those around me know what He’s done for me and in me and what He longs to do in their life as well.

Dear reader, I may never meet you but I pray that those words would ring true in your life and heart today. You are loved by the Creator who hung the stars, just the way you are right now in this moment. Before you could do one kind thing or say one encouraging word or do one single act of service in God’s name, long before you knew who He was, He sent His Son to die for you.

That is what I want people to say about me when the day comes that God brings me home. That they got to know Jesus because of my words and deeds.

And I also want a party not a funeral. With great food. And lots and lots of laughter!