What will I leave behind?

I had to attend a funeral today of a dear, sweet older lady that I attended church with from birth to about the age of 22. Yes, she was one of those ladies that could tell you stories of changing my diaper in the church nursery when I was a baby or all the times my parents would have to take me out in the middle of service to spank me. Yes, I know you all think I've always been the angel that I am now...sorry to disappoint. :) The older I get and the more I come to learn what an impact (good or bad) we have on others lives, the more careful and intentional I want to become about leaving behind a life of good, not a life of mess. Listening to all the things said today about this sweet lady and the legacy that she is leaving behind has caused me to think a lot today on what kind of legacy I want to leave behind. Needless to say, I have a lot to improve on and a lot to strive for. I hope that what I want to leave behind one day, will be what I will leave behind one day. Some thoughts from today on what I want kind of legacy I want to leave...

• That I strive to live a full, abundant life here on this earth...knowing that this is one of the many reasons Jesus came..so that I could have and experience that with the promise that the best is yet to come! (John 10:10)
• That I have a genuine love for the people in my life and that my actions and words toward them would show them this love.
• That I'm a hard worker.
  
• That I can "laugh at the days to come" because I know my God is Sovereign and that everything is under His control and command. (Proverbs 31)
• That I strive to do everything "without complaining or arguing".
• That I don't worry.
  
• That I'm easy going and fun to be around.
  
• That I'm a good listener.
  
• That I like to learn and that I'm willing to accept when I've done something wrong and am not too proud to correct it.
  
• That I love the Lord above all else and this is evident in my devotion to Him and in my heart towards others.
  
• That I'm a caring, loving wife (hopefully one day!) who treats my husband with honor and respect...knowing that he is a treasure.
  
• That I'm a mother (hopefully one day) who will strive to train my children up in such a way that causes them to seek after their Savior and want to please Him in all that they do. And pour out more love on them than they can stand...even when they disappoint me.
  
• That I have a servant heart and strive to place others before myself.
  
• That I'm graceful and act like a lady.
  
• That I find contentment in small things - that I'm simple.
  
• That I think before I speak.
  
• That there just aren't many things in life worth letting yourself get "rawled" up and upset about.
• That it's important to keep the commitments you make and stick with the job until it's completed.
• That I dream big and don't limit what God can and wants to do with my life.
  
• That I am smart with money but that I don't hold onto it tightly.
  
• That I smile at everyone I meet.
  
• That I'm adventurous and want to see and experience things.
  
• That I love to encourage.
  

Just a few things that have crossed my mind today. Definitely have lots of work to do but it's always good to reflect on things we want/should be striving for. What will you leave behind one day? Just think about it. Have a great week! :)