Last Monday night I went to Marysville to attend the funeral of Jim Wiggins. Jim was a long time member of the church and an incredible man. In fact, I have never been to a funeral where it was clear that someone was so universally loved--and I've been to a lot of funerals.
It got me thinking--wouldn't it be great to have the kind of legacy that Jim has? Kind of makes you think about your life, doesn't it? In the end, the only thing people will remember fondly are, did you love God, and, did you love people?
A Tale of Two Leaders
6 years ago
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2 comments:
Great question dude. I've actually had this idea in my head and wish I had the money to pull it off.
I had the idea that I would fake my own death and have a funeral. At the funeral, Kim would be there, my parents, and who knows who else.
At the end of the funeral, I would actually walk in and, after everyone but Kim got over the shock and surprise, I would let them know how honored I am to know what my life meant to them.
This would be followed by the biggest party ever to celebrate. I mean after all, I wouldn't really be dead, right?
But honestly, I lead a very outgoing, opinionated, in-your-face at times, flawed life. I'm sure the way I think has helped empower some, pulled others out of their comfort zones and most likely hurt some as well.
I often wonder who would speak at my funeral or what they would say. At the end of the day, sure I'm a sanctified child of Christ, but I'm nothing special.
I recently went to the funeral of my great aunt and there were 20 people there. Now granted most of her family had passed, but there were only a few friends as my aunt was not one that made or kept friends well. I couldn't help but see it as a marker. The marker read, "Don't end up like this."
I think we can all imagine what friends and loved ones would say at our funerals, but I often wonder that, if I were to die before her, what my wife Kim would say. Have I been a good husband? If God ever grants us children, would I have been a good father?
Past the "he was funny," "he was fun to be around" and the "he always made me laugh" I hope I'm leaving solid imprints in peoples' lives.
I suppose at the end I hope Christ welcomes me as a "good and faithful servant."
Marc,
Your last comment about Christ saying, "Well done, good and faithful servant" refers to what is a great motivator for me--Christ's approval. At the end of the day (and of our lives), Christ's opinion is the only one that matters.
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