How Will You Be Remembered?
One of the many blessings of working at the church is the opportunity to walk our grounds. Each season has its beauty. I often walk around the fountain and think about the people who have memorials surrounding it. I knew most of the people, so I love to spend time reading the scriptures on their memorials that meant so much to them.
“The only that that counts is faith expressed through love.”
Galatians 5:6b
“Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”
Matthew 5:7-9
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him.”
1 Corinthians 2:9
“I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”
Exodus 19:4
“Suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us.”
Romans 5:3-5
“I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help comes from the Lord…”
Psalms 121
“And we know that in all things God works for those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
The fountain represents beautiful memories of loved ones and memories for our little ones playing in the water during our 4th of July celebrations and other summer events. It is a fountain of living hope for generations to come. Quite often, I see the great-grandkids of those who have passed on playing on or near the memorials of their grandparent.
Many memorials only have the date of birth and death separated by a dash. Hopefully, the time between those two dates are far apart, but that dash doesn’t represent who they were. It can't express their love for God or what that relationship meant.
Think about that tiny line and reflect on your life so far. Have you filled your dash with everything you have wanted or desired? Do people see Christ in you? What more can you accomplish? Give some thought to your dreams and goals and see how you can branch out further from your comfort zone and evolve into the perfect person God made you to be. Have you been able to pursue your true calling and recognize the gifts God has given to you?
A few weeks ago in worship, we asked everyone to write down the one thing they wanted to challenge themselves to do on a Post-It note. The challenges included reading the Bible, making healthy choices, becoming a table leader, strengthening relationships, being more patient, reaching out to family and friends, and ministering to the elderly. These things will make your "dash" more meaningful and lead you to your true calling.
We can’t always choose what calls us. We can only listen and have the courage to accept what it tells us. We are meant for big things if we can only figure out what that is. Your gifts point the way to your calling. What are your character strengths and talents? There are many ways to make this discovery, but listening to those who know you best can help. It is easy to take what comes so easily to us for granted and assume anyone could do it. Guess what? They can't. When you discover your true calling, you will have peace enjoying what you do, and feel God with you. He will bless you along the way, enabling you to do it beyond your imagination.
I pray God is moving you to seriously discern your life path, to discover your gifts, to find your true calling and that He will fill you with all that being a follower of Jesus can offer.
Blessings,
Peggy Zumhofe
Executive Pastor
