When your life is done, when your days on earth are through, how do you want people to remember you?
I sat tonight at a service of a man who loved the Lord, and the experience touched me in such a way that I don’t think I will ever be the same.
An elder stood up and shared details of this man’s life. He told of this man’s devotion to the Lord and his love for his family. He told the story of how the man found Jesus and how he met his wife. You know, the everyday details that are usually shared at a service of someone who loved and served Jesus well. As these details were tenderly spoken, they made me reflect and consider the details of my life and what will be said of me when my days on earth are done.
The elder shared the man’s final words, “Worship the Lord.” That is what he said, and that is just what we did. I have never had such a tender time of worship. Honoring this sweet man’s final wish but mostly sitting in the presence of the One who loves us most.
We sang two familiar songs, yet they brought us to a fresh and new place of reverence and awe. I was surprised by how these songs moved me. In the first song, Hymn of Heaven, there is a line that has never really impacted me before, but tonight the imagery of this man standing as a hero of faith for so many in the room awakened a longing in my heart.
And stand beside the heroes of the faith
Hymn of Heaven – Bethel Music
With one voice, a thousand generations
Sing, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain”
Forever He shall reign”
Tears started. Slow at first.
As the second song began, Promises, the words touched deeply, but my mouth could not utter them. My heart sang this song—the deepest part of my heart sang this song. Its words are now my anthem.
I put my faith in Jesus
Promises – Maverick City Music
My anchor to the ground
My hope and firm foundation
He’ll never let me down
At the end of my days, I want those words not just to be spoken of me but to be the most accurate truth about me and how I spent my days on this earth!
As the service ended, a second elder stood up and asked us to consider this man’s impact on us. I did not know him well, but after this service, we are connected. The impact of his life well lived, and the sweetly executed service has significantly impacted me.
What I truly want people to remember about me has nothing really to do with me; I want them to remember Jesus. I want them to be drawn to him.
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