How will you be remembered?

As I reflect on the deaths of some friends, a question keeps echoing in my head, "How will you be remembered?" I often think about people I know. What will I say to their family, friends and loved ones if today was their funeral? What would people say about me if today was my funeral?

About a year ago, I attended a funeral of a relative. I sat at the back of the church and had the luxury of hearing the multitude of mourners as they exited the ceremony. I let their comments wash over me. "She made the best fudge. I am really going to miss that chocolate goodness." "She made the best candy. Oh, how I am going to miss that at Christmas." "She made the best cookies. I will miss eating those." After hearing almost the same comments over and over again from various family and friends, tears rolled down my cheeks. It seemed as though people were not grieving the loss of this person's life as they were lamenting about their empty bellies.

Immediately, I was grieved in my spirit for my own life. How would people remember me? How do I want people to remember me? I prayed to God that He would use me to glorify Him. I asked that when I die, people would comment on my love for the Lord and my passion to serve Him. It is my desire for people to think of me as a servant of the Lord.

Being chronically ill, I feel as though I have limited opportunities to allow my love for God to shine forth and touch others. I feel as though the few times I leave the house each month, I am more concerned about controlling my symptoms than glorifying God. I am so thankful God sends gentle reminders that He sees my love for Him.

Tonight, my parents were dining at a restaurant. They met a husband and wife who attend my church. The wife commented how I really knew the Bible and how I always seemed to know answers to so many Bible questions. I try very hard to not swell with gratitude upon hearing these remarks. It is a great comfort to know that despite my limited opportunities to interact with the world, I can still show my love for God.  "Thank you Jesus for being the hope of my salvation. Thank you Jesus for allowing my light to shine forth. May all honor and glory be to You. Amen"

"Arise, shine; for your light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you." (Isaiah 60:1)