As you may have guessed from previous posts saying how much I wish God would just take us on to heaven, I'm one of those people who has given a lot of thought to the kind of funeral I want. I'm not necessarily fatalistic or anything. I have no morbid fear of dying, but I do think that I want to be sure when I do go, that people actually notice and care. It's not so much because I want to feel important, but because I hope that while on earth, I have touched people's lives.
I've got notes typed out in a rather long document for my poor husband to use when I do kick the bucket, of just how my funeral should go. I despise sad, somber affairs that people sometimes have, as if dying is the worst thing that could ever happen to someone. On the contrary, I am much more afraid of living like life is worth nothing, than dying and spending eternity in heaven. The past couple of years, I've been so concerned that I live the life God called me to, and that I live it FULLY. I want to soak up all I can of this sad and beautiful world while I'm here, and I want to impact others so they see the joy we should have as believers. We've been given so much - I mean, air, food, our health - basic necessities are a big deal. But, God is so good that He throws in bonus things like kindred spirits, inspiring music, hydrangeas, vibrant sunsets, babies' giggles, kittens, frappaccinos - I mean, we could live without these things, but we don't have to - we're surrounded by displays of His love for us daily. How can we ever be sad and mopey and ungrateful?! (I'm preaching to myself here). So, as I ponder all this stuff and share it with you, dear blog readers, ya'll have to now be accountable that if I do die before any of you, make sure James serves Bluebell at the funeral, and there are to be no carnations in any flower arrangements. I despise them. I want lots of laughter and music and people to go, "Wow - we'll miss her and all, but isn't God so awesome? Because, He obviously was the reason for her joy." Believe me, I'm not going to be crying - I'll be singing along with you, finally in tune, after a lifetime of wishing I could.
Anyway, I'll be posting more in the next week I'm sure about life and death and how God's done some cool things these last few years to let me realize my views about those 2 things were pretty messed up. I may even share some of the funeral plans with you. Seriously though, hopefully, my ponderings will allow me to be even more mindful of how fleeting this life is, and that I don't have time to waste. I better get busy.
So, here's the song - you knew I had one. :-)
Nichole Nordeman
Legacy
I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such 'n such...it wouldn't matter much
I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "Atta boy" or "Atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
the temporary trappings of this world
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon destroy
I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy
Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well done, good and faithful one"
2 comments:
You KNOW I feel the same way. I know my family will be sad, however, I'll be singing with the Saints!! (which is kind of sad for them considering how I sing!)
I want there to be a celebration and lots of rejoicing for the life I lived, with no regrets.
I have jokingly told Jeff I want to be cremated and my ashes strewn at Jordan-Hare or in the Gulf of Mexico, which are my 2 favorite places.
He isn't hip on the cremation thing, but I am adamant - NO funeral home, NO open casket, NO organ music, and NO sad service at a cemetary! Maybe a live band playing praise and worship, sprinkled with a little disco/funk music! Now, if I leave Carlie in charge of that it will probably happen.
Well, Pat Dye Field is named specifically in my letter to James, in conjuction with my ashes being strewn, or the Botanical Gardens is another option, and I'm only half-joking too. And, yes, if K.C. and the Sunshine Band is blasting from speakers, how COULD it be called a funeral? I mean, really. We should go into business planning these things. I think since we celebrate each birthday, the beginning of another year here on earth, we should have a big ol' party when we are starting eternity in heaven. It just makes sense.
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