What is Your Legacy?

"I will cause Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore, the peoples will give You thanks forever and ever." Psalm 45:17

A legacy is defined as "the long-lasting impact of particular events, actions, etc. that took place in the past, or of a person's life" (web). Have you ever thought about the legacy you will leave others when you leave this earth? Will it be a legacy of giving rather than receiving? Will it be a legacy of kindness rather than hate? Will it be a legacy of honor or one of disgrace? Think about it. If you were to die today, would your legacy be something that you can be proud of or ashamed of?

Believe me, I am not trying to be morbid when I talk about this. I think about this from time to time. My mother-in-law Cleone recently passed away and a few of us spoke at her funeral. It made me think, "What would people say about me?" It also made me think that even though I have made a lot of positive changes over the past nearly two years, I still have things that I know I need to improve. I am a work in progress. I have made my share of mistakes and I have owned up to them. I have made amends to those I feel that I have wronged. I am constantly working on myself, because I am the only one who can do just that. No one else can change me for the better. Remember this, You are the only one responsible for giving yourself the life you want.....now...let me tell you that again. You are the only one responsible for giving yourself the life you want.

I am proud on how far I have come. I am also proud of Mark on how far he has come. I am proud that our grandchildren aren't going to know an absent, alcoholic grandfather or a grandmother that makes excuses and covers for him. Instead, we both strive to be very the best we can be. We hope to help teach our grandchildren the value of God and family. We hope we leave a legacy that portrays love, kindness, honesty, and compassion. When we leave this earth, no one is going to remember every position we held at various jobs, the amount of money we made, or what kind of car we drove. All these things are replaceable. Love, compassion, kindness, and honestly are irreplaceable and this is the kind of legacy I would be proud to leave.

This past week has been emotional and draining. January 4th was the seven year anniversary of my dad's death. It also is the day that we lost Cleone. Yes, I said that right. Cleone died on the same day as my dad, almost to the exact minute. God doesn't make mistakes. My dad and Cleone were two very different people, yet they had so much in common. They both left this world, and their legacies will live on. My dad and Cleone both believed in God, and both stressed the importance of family and love. Each had their own struggles in life, always finding their way back with the strength, hope, and love of Jesus. My dad (and mom) and Cleone were devout democrats and they enjoyed talking politics together over the years. I relish in the fact that both are safe in the arms of Jesus, and they will always be our guardian angels. I know that I will see them again someday when it is my time to go. Good-byes are always hard, but they don't have to be permanent. I know that we will see my dad and Cleone again in Heaven. Last week we said our good-byes to Cleone. We had a house full of family and friends after the funeral and Cleone would have loved it. We visited and we took a ton of pictures. Cleone always loved pictures as much as I do. Later in the week, we took Tristan and Bailee back to the airport so they could return home to Florida. Our house feels empty once again. But after I think about it, our house isn't empty at all. Our house is full. It is full of love and full of memories. Better yet, our house is blessed by God.

I hope that when it is my time to go that my family and friends will remember me for the good. I hope they know that I have made my share of mistakes, but I have chosen to make amends to those I felt that I have harmed. I hope they know that despite my mistakes, I chose to give it all to God and to better myself. I hope my legacy of hope, strength, and love will live on. I encourage each of you to think about the legacy you would leave if you died today. Would it be one that you are proud of? If it's not, I want you to know that it is never too late to change. It is NEVER too late. I want to leave you with this amazing verse below. I want you to read it and when you are done reading it, read it again and this time replace you with your name. This, my friends is what I want you to know. Always.

"He will cover you with his feathers. He will shelter you with his wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection." Psalm 91:4

"He will cover CHELEE with his feathers. He will shelter CHELEE with his wings. His faithful promises are CHELEE'S armor and protection." Psalm 91:4