LEGACY?

I'm still without a computer, so I'm saving the birthday recap- I'm not currently able to upload pictures.

Thomas and I attended a funeral yesterday. It was the mother of a great friend and mentor of mine. She was 89 years old and 7 days away from celebrating her 70th wedding anniversary. Her name was Sarah Elizabeth "Precious" Bond. "Precious" was what everyone, including my friend -her daughter- called her. I remember the first time I heard someone speak of her thinking it very odd that she was referred to as "Precious". I asked my friend what her legal name was and she told me, "Sarah Elizabeth, but she has been called "Precious" her entire life". It was a name that her father gave her as a baby and it just stuck.
In the past few years Precious had developed dementia. Unfortunately, when I was introduced to her the dementia kept us from getting to know one another.  But in the celebration of her life I was given loads to think about.

Her funeral was held at our church. The sanctuary was filled to standing room only. It was filled with dear friends who spoke of ways she had been a blessing to them.
Our minister told of how she was devoted to serve others; Her Lord, her husband, her children, our church family, our community.  He gave a scripture reading from Proverbs 31: 10-31

 A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

Her husband has full confidence in her

and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life.

She selects wool and flax

and works with eager hands.

She is like the merchant ships,

bringing her food from afar.

She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls.

She considers a field and buys it;

out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

She sets about her work vigorously;

her arms are strong for her tasks.

She sees that her trading is profitable,

and her lamp does not go out at night.

In her hand she holds the distaff

and grasps the spindle with her fingers.

She opens her arms to the poor

and extends her hands to the needy.

When it snows, she has no fear for her household;

for all of them are clothed in scarlet.

She makes coverings for her bed;

she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.

She makes linen garments and sells them,

and supplies the merchants with sashes.

She is clothed with strength and dignity;

she can laugh at the days to come.

She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

She watches over the affairs of her household

and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed;

her husband also, and he praises her:

"Many women do noble things,

but you surpass them all."

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

As I sat in the pew, I compared myself to this scripture and felt deeply convicted. 

Brian started a men's bible study back in the Fall entitled "Quiet Strength" by Tony Dungy. Last night was the last night of the study.  After we put Thomas to sleep we were talking about our day and the classes we had gone to that night. It goes without saying that God's timing is perfect, but sometimes God's timing really knocks my socks off.  Brian started "Purpose Driven Life" about a week ago only because I had accidentally placed it and a few other books on his night stand when I was cleaning out a drawer.  In the beginning of that book Rick Warren writes about how God has a plan and a purpose for every day of our lives. After what he had been reading, a conversation I had with a friend on Sunday about how we want our children to see us, and Precious's funeral it was perfect timing for us to discuss the topic his class had last night. LEGACY.

Here are some thoughts on the legacy I want to leave:

I want to be a nurturing, loving, attentive mother who more than anything taught my children about the Lord.  I want them to know that the things of this world will pass, but the work we do for the Lord will last forever. I want them to see me read the bible and hear me recite scripture.  My Memaw read the bible everyday. Her bible sat on her dining room table and was written in, pages folded, and used to pieces. When I leave this world, I want to be able to give my children a bible like that.  I want to serve Brian the way God calls us to serve our husband. I want to have lifted him up and been an encourager.  I want our children to have seen us show affection to one another.  I want them to hear the words "I love you" often.  That was something I grew up hearing multiple times a day and now I see why it's so important.  God calls us to love one another.  I want to serve others and be generous with the things given to me. 

What kind of legacy do you want to leave? Kelly? Anna? Heather? Nancy?