A few months ago, wrote a song called “Life Well Lived,” after I had attended the memorial service for a very kind gentleman who was a member of our church. The lyrics to the song were inspired by the many wonderful things Jimmy’s family and friends had to say about how he had lived his life. I only knew Jimmy as the sweet man I greeted on many Sunday mornings who often brought his precious grandchildren to church with him. I appreciated that at his service, I got a glimpse of the legacy he left behind because of the Christ-like way he’d lived his life. Little did I know how soon the passing of two more of our friends at church might have inspired the same song, after they each went home to be with the Lord just recently. Hug loving Frank, our friend of about 3 or 4 years, and Mike, a witty friend to Ken and I for the last 36 years, both have wonderful testimonies of how the Lord transformed their lives. And, out of gratitude, they each served Him well until their last days here with us. As both of their passings were rather sudden and unexpected, I’m sure it’s left big holes in the hearts of their precious wives, Francine and Regina. But what strength and courageous peace they have had and displayed in the midst of their loss, because they each have no doubt that Frank and Mike are in the presence of our Savior, living in the everlasting final chapter of their lives. What hope and blessed assurance that brings! It’s obvious to those of us that knew these friends, that all three of them had modeled their lives after Jesus. Read these words from the song and think about whether or not it will be said of you, “Your life was well lived.”
Will it be said, when you are gone,
Yours was a life well lived?
Do others know the love of God,
Because of love you give?
Will there be a lasting legacy
For those you leave behind?
Will your friends remember you,
As one loyal and kind?
Is Jesus central in your life,
Is His spirit leading you?
Do you wait upon the Lord,
To guide what you do?
Do you always try to please Him
With the words that you say?
Does your life mirror Jesus
At the end of the day.
Do you seek God’s forgiveness
When you go astray?
The Lord brings restoration
In His gentle way.
Your life is on display,
Others see what you do.
Does it set a good example
For those watching you?
Model your life after Jesus,
Passing on the love and the mercy He gives.
Then when you enter God’s glory,
Your savior, will welcome you, with
“Come, my child, yours was a
Life, well lived.” Eph.5:1-2; 2Cor.3:18
Is there room for us to improve the legacy we will leave behind? Be sure you’re modeling your life after Jesus every day.
Love in Christ, Nancy