Legacy

As I write this, I am one week out from flying to Tijuana Mexico.  I will be part of a 9 person team on a 9 day trip.  We will serve long term missionaries who have established an orphanage in the city, and are now constructing a feeding center for street kids.   We will help in construction, but also get to spend time with the kids!

It was not an easy decision to go on the trip.  It's been 13 years (exactly) since my first, and only, previous missions trip to Africa.  I have felt the pull to go on other trips, but leaving the kids was not feasible, and so Scott has often gone instead, since we both feel a call to the mission field.

This time was different, and I felt the pull to go this time.  However, it will be the first time, in 10 years (i.e. ever) that I have left the kids for more than one night, let alone to a location far away.  I'm very thankful Scott was supportive and agreed to remain at home with them. 

I wouldn't say I'm excited about the trip, but I do feel peace.  Since I lean toward the pessimistic in my day dreaming, I can imagine all kinds of major issues occurring in my absence, or on the trip.  However, I feel peace and resolve in the midst of that - a sure sign that God is with me.  That peace has covered me in other times of major upheaval, so I know it's in God's plan.

That said, I am still aware that at any time tragedy can strike.  We are not promised tomorrow.

Do not boast about tomorrow,
    for you do not know what a day may bring.

Proverbs 27:1

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

Matthew 6:34

In fact, we currently have a good friend fighting for his life after suffering 5 brain aneurysms.  Nothing brings home the reality of mortality, and brevity of life, like that. 

Unsurprisingly, I have been thinking about legacy.  Not the stuff we list in our last will and testament, but how we want to leave the world changed.  You don't need a long life to impact the people, or even the systems, you encounter.  It's never too late to build the legacy we want. 

I wonder what we would like to be remembered for.  I wonder if we live our lives, every day, to that end.  What would I want to be my lasting legacy?  Good question, I'm glad you asked! 

For my children to know and follow Jesus.  For them to have a foundation of love and truth that they display to the world.

For my friends and acquaintances to know that I love Jesus, and despite my weaknesses and mistakes, His presence was tangible in my life.

For everyone to consider the purpose of their life, and their eternal destination before they no longer can.

To inspire anyone to give more, love louder, and care about others.

Our lives are not our own.  Freedom is an illusion!  We see submission to God as slavery, without choice, but believe that we are free without God - believe the rat race, and world system of values to be freedom.  All the while we are swept into values of success, wealth, and comfort.  We ceaselessly work, pay and stress in order to progress in those areas, which is slavery in no uncertain terms!

That's the default - do as the world does.  The specifics may be different in different cultures, but nonetheless, you must follow the tide. 

In contrast, Jesus said, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light."

Matthew 11:28-30

For all that God calls us to, he provides the strength we need.  He is a gentle and caring Father, who ask his children to do his will, and receive eternal rewards.  It is only he that can offer that, and freely offers it to all who are willing to follow him, and reject the world system of empty promises and meaningless goals.

What will be your legacy?