For the last several months, for maybe a few reasons, I have had this occasional recurring thought or wonder of what people would say about me after I passed from this world into the loving arms of Jesus. I know--it's weird and a little eerie. However, this thought has come to the forefront as we recently mourned the death of my brother-in-law, Phil. Thus, my thoughts now being put to pen and paper.
As we had the privilege of meeting some of Phil's friends and colleagues, we heard over and over again of what a wonderful man he was. A man of professional and personal integrity. A man who loved his family above all else. A man who had made a difference in the lives of so many. His funeral service bulletin read:
"Phil just simply left this world a better place. He was a life force, driven to lead and support all of us on our unique journey. With integrity, optimism, humility, and an unexpected but funny one-liner, his insightfulness, passion and compassion, will be sorely missed by his family, friends, co-workers, and the Community."
Wow! For all of us, to know Phil was to really love him. We're still sad to think and even harder to understand, why he was taken from us at such a young age? We continue to trust in God's infinite grace and wisdom as we move forward.
In preparation for Phil's eulogy, somebody had shared a story that we found quite interesting and was certainly the opposite of what was said about Phil. They had recently attended a funeral of a man who, his entire life, was mean-spirited and degrading. His brother-in-law was asked to provide the eulogy. As he spoke, he repeatedly referenced the man's distasteful demeanor and how he did not enjoy being in his, now deceased, brother-in-law's presence. The attendees of the funeral were quite shocked at the man's honesty and some, were quite uncomfortable as the man continued to speak. Later, somebody asked the new widow if she was upset or even outraged at her brother-in-law for the eulogy that he presented. She replied that she was not because anybody that had known her husband could not argue that anything that was said was not truthful. We all found that story to be so sad.
In addition to the passing of Phil, over the last several months, I have had the privilege of walking beside a dear friend whose husband has chose to walk outside the realm of integrity by leaving his wife and children for another woman. Prior to this choice, this man was respected by his friends, peers, and colleagues. Now (many tears later), most of us are left in a state of disgusted amazement--trying to figure out, including his wife, what has happened to this gentleman. If this man continues down his current path of destruction, what will be said of him when all is said and done? Again, a true story that is so sad.
All of these events and stories (from good to bad), lead me back to my original question--at the end of my life, what will people say about me? Admittedly, I haven't always reflected the character traits of Jesus and sometimes the professional position that I hold, has left me to be the "heavy"--which carries its' own baggage or persona.
However, taking my last few statements into consideration, the one thing that I take great comfort in as I move forward, is that God is the God of second chances. The first step, seeking God's forgiveness (and maybe the forgiveness of others) for the times that I really "blew it" and then, leaving it at the foot of the cross. A new opportunity to be kinder, filled with more compassion, and an individual who leaves people much better off than when I found them.
The even greater news--God is a God of second chances for everybody! New opportunities to repent and seek forgiveness, to be kinder, to love more, and our positive attributes could go on and on.
So, what about you? What will people say about you when it comes the end of your time on earth?
