Wednesday, February 25, 2009

remember me

How do you want to be remembered when you die?

I'll admit that I've always wanted to be remembered for something grand. For changing the world in some way. 
I grew up reading biographies of great people, missionaries, and martyrs. The thing is that for many of those people, the defining moments that made them great were thrust upon them. Heroes seldom plan to be heroes. 
But there were some who made choices all along the way that caused them to lead extraordinary lives. 
I haven't seen much in my life so far that would be categorized as extraordinary. But I certainly don't want to be ordinary.

I want to be remembered for being just a little bit weird. My sister and I actually used to make plans for our eccentricity. We admire it. 
I want to be remembered as being kind and empathetic.
I would like to be remembered as being wise and good and generous. I might need to work on those things a bit.
I want my kids to remember me as loving and fun and smart and perfect.
If people can only remember one thing about me -- if only one thing stands out -- I hope it's that I love God and that my life brings Him glory. 
I hope I'm not remembered for my selfishness, pride, laziness, greed, procrastination, and arrogance. So, please, forget that I even mentioned those.

How would you like to be remembered?

6 comments:

  1. My, your questions sure do make me think!
    I guess I hope to be remembered as a person who could laugh with those who laugh and weep with those who weep.
    I hope to be remembered as a good friend.
    I know I will be remembered as slightly wacky... my kids remind me of that almost daily. :)
    And I hope to be remembered as someone who knew what the important things in life were, and lived it out.

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  2. I've never really aspired to "great" things. I'd like to be remembered as a woman who loved her God, her husband, and her children. I want to be remembered as someone who gave until it hurt and asked for nothing in return. I want people to not only remember but want to emulate my life because it will help them please God.

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  3. I'd like to be remembered as someone who loves Jesus and people.

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  4. I wonder if there is truly such a thing as an "ordinary" life. I suspect everyone makes an extraordinary contribution in the life of at least one other person.

    That said, I would like to be remembered as an encourager. I want to help people have full lives in Christ, and families that glorify Him.

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  5. I think Dianne is right about every one of us affecting someone in an extraordinary way. We can all recall at least one person who had a long time effect on us, good or bad. I also think we're all a little weird in some way or another. Some weirder than others :). Oh yeah, eccentric is the word. Well, hope you're answering your phone!

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  6. I posted on my blog on this Kay. It didn't really hit me until I attended a funeral, then I really began to think about what people may or may not remember.

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I love to hear your thoughts!