Sunday, August 05, 2007

Legacy

I get so caught up in things... clean house, organized pantry, tidy closets, losing weight, floors you could eat off, schedules, hosting the most amazing bible studies and most fun playgroups, being organized...basically being seen as someone who "has it all together". And I don't. I'm chasing this illusion and there are times where I feel it's so close, I can almost touch it. And it's those times that I am the farthest from God, being the worst example to my children and the most demanding on my husband. I am so Martha and caught up in the earthly things that don't matter, instead of being Mary and absorbed in the heavenly things that last eternally. So there is this song that comes on the radio that I absolutely love and it really reminds me to be mindful of the legacy that I want to leave behind... Mary or Martha? What do I want to be known for - a clean house or house full of love and grace? Because I'm chasing one far faster than the other.



Legacy
by Nichole Nordeman

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And you can take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the Who's Who's and So-and-So's
That used to be the best at such and such
It wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Not well-traveled, not well-read
Not well-to-do, or well-bred
Just want to hear instead
Well done, good and faithful one

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I haven't heard this song yet but the lyrics resonate with me too. I chase a lot and make everyone around me miserable sometimes. Thanks for the reminder to just focus on what really matters.