on living to be remembered

A sweet friend passed away suddenly this weekend, so it's been a bit melancholy around these parts. Whenever someone I care about dies, it always gets me thinking about two things: 

1. The hope I have because of knowledge that there is life after death and that families are forever.

2. Am I living my life in a way that I'd be prepared to die tomorrow? How would people remember me?

When I pictured Steve in my head dozens of times this weekend, it was always a memory of him laughing, usually at his own joke or folly. I hope someday when people are remembering me, that they always picture me laughing.

I'm touched when I scan his Facebook wall and see the kind words from his family and friends, flooding his timeline and bursting at the seams with love, respect and gratitude. I hope by the end of my life that I will have also affected so many lives for good.

Steve was always quick with a compliment or kind word. If he loved my shoes or my hair, or thought I looked pretty, he always told me. When we worked together on planning service projects, he was always behind the scenes doing the less glamorous details like finding ice chests or moving tables around.

When he played sports, he was always the first to encourage his teammates. I hope I can leave that reputation on the field infinitely more than the number of points I've scored or miles I've run.

Like I said, how grateful I am for my knowledge of the eternities! There is no mystery in death, and any sadness I feel is quickly tempered by hope in Jesus Christ.

I am moved by the music and message of "Pilgrim's Song," which you can listen to here. (I warn you to grab tissues first.) Here are some of the lovely lyrics:

My soul now sits and sings
And practices its wings,

And contemplates the hour,

When the messenger shall say,

"Come quit this house of clay,

And with bright angels tower."

My soul doth long to go

Where I may fully know

The glory of my Savior.

And as I pass along,

I’ll sing the Christian song;

I’m going to live forever.

Heaven gained a warrior this weekend!