But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love me and obey my commands. Exodus 20:6

This past Thursday was the 8th anniversary of my mom’s death. With my dad’s recent passing the end of January, it hit me especially hard this year. Over the past few weeks, I have begun to come to terms with how it feels to be an orphan. I still have a long way to go in my journey.

Now in looking back at my parents’ lives, it is so clear to me what a legacy of love they left behind. Before my dad’s funeral, there were countless individuals that came by to share with our family about how my parents had impacted their lives.

A friend that I have not seen in many years told me how my mom had played a part in the man that he has become because of the lessons she taught him as a little kid in her Sunday School class over 40 years ago. An aide from Dad’s nursing home hugged me through tears and told me how much she loved him and what a precious man he was. Still others shared stories about working with my dad and mom at Singer in Pickens, going to church with them, being friends with them, family trips. How fun-loving my dad was. How caring my mom was. How generous they both were.

They loved deeply and were loved deeply. For all the good things people shared about them, it was even more true for me and my brother growing up at home with them. We were so blessed to be their children. Don’t get me wrong, they were not perfect, but they lived their lives on purpose for the Lord and they left behind a legacy of love.

Through the loss of my parents, I have been stirred to re-examine my own life. I know the legacy I want to leave is the life I must live now. I want my life to outlive me and for it to be a legacy of love, and I know that is only possible with God’s help. I want to be remembered as someone who loved God and loved people and who went out of her way to help others.

Winston Churchill once said, We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.

We all leave a legacy. What do you want yours to be?

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Dear Lord: Thank you for the rich legacy of love that You have left us through Your Son Jesus Christ. May we strive to be more like Him. We know that only with Your help and through loving You, loving people and doing something about it can we change the world for future generations. Tomorrow is not promised, help us live as we want to be remembered today, in a way that is pleasing to You. Amen