Celebrations of Life

 This year, as in the preceding 12 months, has been rough. I know as a person ages, they seem to attend more funerals/memorials/Celebrations of Life, but I really don't consider myself that old. The deaths my loved ones have grieved occurred in April, June, December, and January. Each has had their own level of emotion tied to them. 

The one I attended today  really hit home. 

The wife of a very close family friend was diagnosed with cancer about a week after me. That is not my story to tell though. It has been years since I have seen her, but have thought about the family often. When I was young and dumb and attempted to plan my wedding, she came alongside of me and helped. I did not ask, she just jumped in and did it. She had given me the idea about centerpieces. Then helped me put them together. She helped with set up the day of and even rolled out the red carpet (a roll of dark pink plastic) for the to walk down the aisle. I also remember her popping into my baby shower for a few minutes before heading to her son's baseball game. She was a giver. It seemed she took great joy in serving, giving, and helping. 

Today, as I was sitting in this beautiful church waiting for the service to begin, I couldn't help but think of my own fight. A Celebration of Life really hits different when I know that it could be me next. I watched all of the smiling faces in the photos from the slide show. I listened to her children get up and speak. Everyone had such wonderful things to say about her. She left a lasting legacy on everyone she came into contact with...even the nurses at the hospital on her final days. I tried to hold back the tears as Go Rest High on that Mountain, by Vince Gill played. 

What would be said about me at my own Celebration of Life? Would my kids look back and remember fun times? Would they remember things that I may have done and said, or would they remember the tougher times? What about others? Am I leaving a legacy? Of course, everyone leaves a legacy of some sort. The question is: Am I leaving a legacy that can change the world...or at least the small part of the world that I occupy?  I should be working to make a positive impact each and every day. It doesn't have to be huge...I know I am not going to change the world. However, I can be kind and gentle. Sometimes I lack mercy. I can show mercy to others...even when I am overly annoyed. How I live should be pointing others to Christ. Is it? Sure, sometimes it does. At the grocery store or mall??? Probably not. What can I do today to make a difference in someone else's life? I think it could even be something as simple as a smile. While I definitely want to live, so please don't start planning my Celebration yet, I know that life is fragile and fleeting. Can I live each day like it is possibly my last? What do I want to be remembered for? Actually, the questions is probably, What will I be remembered for?

My goal is to make memories and make a difference.