Legacy

I heard about it first from my father. We were driving back  home from camp when he mentioned that there had been an accident. Then, out of nowhere, came the words "Kacy Nelson."

I didn't really know her, I'll have to admit. I smiled at her in the hallways, talked maybe once or twice, but only knew of her.

As Chapel started and the slideshow played, Kacy's mom talked and then the receiving line started, I found myself thinking hard. At first I was only full of empathy, I mean, I didn't really even have anything to remember about her. But then, as pictures of her smiling, and at Jr. and Sr. Banquet came up, tears started to come. She was so bright, so full of life. She was never down, but instead always smiling.

Soon I was sobbing, remembering what little I knew of her. I didn't know why I was crying, but the fact that this person... any person... will never be seen by the ones that they love and that have loved them is so incredibly sad. I'm just so glad that He has given us the promise that we will see them again.

People were talking, giving their condolences to the parents, crying in groups, and I wondered. How will I be remembered? When I think of funerals, mostly it's for seniors because that's the age group that the deceased was in. Even if I live to be a Grandma (which I hope to, but who knows!), what will people remember about me?

Not to take anything away from Kacy's remembrance, but being there really cemented in my mind to make the most of my time. I want to be remembered for friendships, not school work; for love, instead of legalism; for compassion, instead of cruelty; for being willing to do anything for anyone at anytime. For shining His light brightly among those that I knew and reaching out to those that I didn't.

I want so much to be accomplished in my life. And then I turn around and look at that statement and think Woah! "I want so much?" What about Him? How much more is He waiting to take and transform this little light of mine into a beacon and lighthouse of brightness. Not made so all-encompassing by my little light, but rather by His mirrors that reflect it far and wide.

I think the greatest people I have known were/are the humblest. If it's not about me (which it isn't) then I can take risks, jump off cliffs (not literally), and do things without worrying about my reputation. For what is my reputation except for Christ?

So while I mourn for the loss of another light in our school, of a continual bright smile... I try to live in such a way that I leave a legacy... of Him.