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