Legacy

I think a lot about legacy...especially in seasons like this one.

Monday we got the call that my husband's uncle had passed away unexpectedly. Probably from a heart attack. That morning he had told his girlfriend of the past 14 years that he loved her, and to "Take care of yourself!" Hours later he was gone. Yesterday we had his funeral.

I've experienced death more than I care to speak about here. Beginning with my father when I was only 16, then my grandmother a year later, another uncle, a favorite great-aunt, my father's mother...no, I'm no stranger to death. And it makes me stop every time and ask myself: "What kind of legacy will I leave behind?" "Who will grieve my loss?" "What mark will I leave on those that I love, and those that I don't?" "Did I lead others down paths that are full of life?" "Did I lead them to Jesus?" "Did I live my life transparently?"

And the biggest question of all:
"Did I love well?"

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." Psalm 90:12

rest

"Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go."  1 Corinthians 16:6

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One of the things I love about winter is the peacefulness of it. My body automatically wants to slow down...snuggle in...stay warm. I crave a steamy mug of hot apple cider, a warm blanket, and a good, long book. 

As I went outside today to take pictures, I went with the assignment to find "quiet beauty and rest". I found these Black-eyed Susan seed pods just off my back porch. To look at them you'd never know that just a few months ago they were vibrant yellow flowers. But there's a dignity in their form now, and the promise of new growth in the Spring.

They're at rest.

It gives me hope that during the winter seasons of my own life there's more going on than what appears on the surface. That even when things seem dead and lifeless, there is still hope. It is good to go through these resting seasons. New adventures are just around the corner!