A Tribute: What Will My Legacy Be?

I went to a funeral today, of a man who was my principal when I was in 2nd and 3rd grade. His name was Pastor Parker. I remember walking down the halls and seeing him and he was always whistling and always took time to give me a hug, smile, or say hello. He carried himself with grace and integrity and radiated God's love to everyone like I have never seen before. He was soft-spoken, but always spoke the truth in love. He laughed a lot, but took his job very seriously. He was so sincere in his conversations and made everyone feel like the most important person in the world. He took time for people...made them a priority. Pastor Parker was Jesus with skin on. Going to his memorial service today and hearing even more of who he was as a man, friend, father, and husband confirmed even more in my heart what I remember of him all those years ago. As I sat there and listened to all the memories people had of him, how he lived his life and what his priorities were, it really made me think about my life...and the legacy I will/want to leave. Everything Pastor Parker did pointed back to Jesus. Jesus is the reason he did everything he did and was the One he did everything for. He had a childlike faith that God could do what He said He could do...and he lived it. Every single day. He fulfilled the purpose God had for him, without reserve...without excuses. Pastor Parker knew why he was here and lived everyday to the fullest. He was a man you could count on to follow through on his word. He was a humble servant who always went the extra mile...even more...just because he loved Jesus and loved the people he was with. Pastor Parker ran his race...and ran it with purpose...and ran it well. He never gave up. Always trusted. Always persevered. Pastor Parker was a man of integrity...a man after God's own heart.

So, as I've pondered his life and what he has left behind, I ask myself and you:

~What/Who are we living for?
~What are our priorities and are they in the right order?
~What will people say/remember about us?
~Are we living out to the fullest God's calling on our lives?
~What will our legacy be?

Thank you, Pastor Parker for showing me what it means to be a servant...what it means to be a follower after God's own heart. Can't wait to see you in heaven and give you another hug <3 p="">