By Lisa Lickle
Ecclesiastes 1:1-11
The people of long ago are not remembered… (vs. 11)
Walking through cemeteries is a favorite pastime of mine. As a historian, the gravestones call out to me, telling the story of who once breathed and walked and then died in this place. Sometimes the stories are poignant--drownings or illness taking whole families. I’m amused by the woman surrounded by her several husbands. Sometimes there’s an infant or elderly people who made their way across the sea to start a new life in a new place at an advanced age.
The care of these graves tell a story, too: who is left to remember? Are there flowers, bushes, flags, toys? Is the marker in good shape or faded and crumbling, maybe sunken or fallen? The people of long ago… I carry my thoughts on to who will remember me. What legacy will I leave? Even if there is truly nothing new under the sun, surely there is something precious to leave behind. Micah 6:8 teaches that God’s requirements are that we should act with justice, love mercy and walk humbly with our God. I want to be remembered for being that kind of person.
Things I can do:
Pick up that piece of garbage
Give a quarter at the checkout lane when the person in front of me is short
Let the other car in
Give the memories of my grandparents to my children
Take the single parent neighbor kids to church and shopping for Mother’s Day
Thank you, Father, for all those who walked before me, setting the example. Amen.
photo courtesy of WIGen.com, Larry and Linda Kopet
I'm so glad you wrote this, Lisa--wonderful job.
ReplyDeleteMy father-in-law spent over 50 years single-handedly placing flags on vets' graves.
I appreciate your suggestions for creating a legacy. Well done!
Beautiful post, Lisa. Anyone who wanders cemeteries contemplating the legacy they will leave is my kind of person. Thank you for sharing your practical list of "things you can do..." As Robin said, well done!
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