A Lifetime, A Legacy

I have a friend who is dying from cancer. She reflects often on her life; she ponders how she will be remembered, what kind of legacy she will pass on. Ever considered what you would say about a friend? Better yet, have you considered how you desire to be remembered?

James 4:13–14 reminds us this life is but a vapor and tomorrow is unknown. Reflecting today on the legacy you want to leave is important. Here are some questions to ponder:

1. What expectations do you have for your family?  What are your hopes and desires for the people closest to you? Have you ever told them? Do they know what’s on your heart  . . . or that they are on your heart at all?
2. What is your current health condition and what do you anticipate it being in three, six, nine, and twelve months? What are you doing to maintain or improve your health?
3. Reflect on your relationships with your spouse, your children, your parents, and your close friends. Do you need to repair some distance that has grown between you, forgive an offense, or make more time for someone?
4. Meditate on Psalm 1 every day for a month. Are you living in a way that produces healthy fruit or are you far from the water’s edge? What one truth is influencing your life today?

Now, reconsider:  if you had to write your last parting words to your spouse or children, what would you say? What do you want people to remember about you?