We all know that our time on this earth is limited but that doesn’t make it any easier when we face the death of a loved one or special friend, does it?
I shared this experience this past week attending the funeral of a special friend who suffered greatly especially the last few weeks of his life. I was truly blessed to see how his wife took care of him at home so patiently and lovingly, as well as their son who kept vigil 24/7 at his hospital bedside the last six days of his life. It was always an honor to visit them, and they certainly enriched my life by their loving example.
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Do you, like me, find that when a loved one is facing death it is difficult to watch, in the event the person is sick first? I have been learning lately that it is important to walk with those who may know that death is imminent. Yes, we can certainly pray that the Lord may restore and heal them, but if that does not happen, being there to show Christ’s love and compassion during someone’s time of need is a gift for both parties involved. I personally find, whenever I visit people who are sick or dealing with a loss, I end up so blessed each time I visit.
Isn’t it amazing when people that are suffering end up ministering to you when you are trying to be there for them? That, to me, is inspiring faith that encourages me to live out my faith even more powerfully.
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Attending funerals and services are always a difficult thing in my opinion. I find it hard to know what to say to the people. I think I’m learning that the best sentiment to relay is that I am sorry for their loss and to let them know that I’m praying for them. Sometimes I think just our presence and hugs show that we care and are there to support the family which is even better than our words.
For me, I end up feeling saddest for those that have lost the loved one. They are the ones that have to face each day without their beloved one physically present, forcing them to focus on the memories.
I end up not feeling so bad for the person who has died because we know they are no longer suffering, especially if they were ill before their death, and they are spending eternity with Jesus. What could be better than that?
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One topic that is important at funerals is sharing about the person’s legacy….What difference or impact did the deceased person have on your life?
And, as time continues on for the family and friends of the deceased, it is important for them to keep the memories of their loved one alive. One wonderful way to do that is to remember the legacy the person left behind.
Often times, I think we don’t share what we see as the person’s legacy with them while they are still alive. I think it is important to do that as well as share with the remaining family the legacy you see and remember even months and years after the person is gone from this life.
So, to that end, have you thought about the legacy that YOU are leaving in the lives of those you know and love in this world?
Let’s live our lives leaving the legacy that will make a difference for others.
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Though it might be different from how others perceive it, I am hoping my life is reflecting the following legacy to others:
Sharing Christ’s love with others
Having a servant’s heart
Blessing others by helping them even in the “small” things
Being an encourager in Christ
Living a prayerful life
Gift of sharing Christ in the simple, ordinary things through writings
Showing kindness and respect to others
Faith in God is most important
Being a good listener
Dependable friend
Can I encourage you to think about the legacy you are leaving for others and share in the comments below? It might inspire someone else to see a new way they can leave their legacy as well.
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart is also.” –Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
This is a great post, Christine! So many times, we get caught up in the “legacy” the world sees- how many children/grandchildren we had, how much money we made, how tall the buildings we built were. I think God cares more about our legacy that’s left by making an impact on others’ lives around us.
Thank you for your encouraging words, Colin. Yes, I agree that God definitely cares more about the impact our lives have on others. I was also thinking about how much Jesus’ short life on earth impacted so many and still does today! That is one great legacy of love!
exactly Christine. those that are left behind are now embarking on a journey of the unknown. they will have a huge adjustment as they figure out how to live without their loved one. YES we know (if they were a Christian) that they are in heaven and much better off, but no… we have no idea how to make it without them.
also – throughout their first year…especially the first, it’s good to remember holidays, birthdays and such as it is their first and often more painful. send a card letting them know you are thinking of them.
It is so true, Marie, we don’t know how we are going to make it in this world without our loved ones with us. And, yes, thanks for the reminder to be there for others especially on those “firsts.” Thanks for reading and blessing!
I just attended a funeral Friday and what a beautiful legacy that person left behind with his family. They had lovingly displayed some things that were poignant reminders to them of the love he shared with his family. Just as you said, the family will miss his physical presence here but it was obvious at the funeral they were confident his time now will be spent in the loving arms of Jesus and they were comforted by that. What a beautiful legacy.
God’s perfect timing once again, Diane! Thank you so much for sharing your experience. Thank you for the legacy you are reflecting to all of us daily with your loving and caring ways sharing God’s Light! 🙂