A Legacy Of Love
Louise Harris
Recently I had the privilege of attending a celebration dinner to remember the husband of a dear friend, 10 years after his death. It is hard to believe that 10 years have passed, especially as we all shared our memories of him and the impact he had had on each of us.
Similar themes emerged as we told our stories: of creativity, inspiration, new ideas and, for a couple of us, the love and support he showed us when we were going through painful divorces. There was no judgement, just love, acceptance and validation and, for me, the knowledge that he had my back.
There were plenty of laughs at the funny moments too. How grateful we were to have known him and to realise that his impact is ongoing.
Similarly, last weekend was the internment of Mum’s ashes. The inscription on her memorial tablet includes the phrase “a life full of love”. That was Mum to a tee. She was unfailingly kind and loving. She has deeply influenced how I have parented, and my approach to life generally. She may be gone, but I can still hear her voice of wisdom when I’m floundering.
These events have caused me to ponder about the legacy we leave and how important it is. The bible says that “a good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children” (Proverbs 13:22)
The most valuable inheritance is not money but faith, wisdom, values and above all love. How we live our lives influences generations to come. I think these are the “treasures in heaven” referred to in Matthew 6:19-21.
It’s a good exercise to ask what will people remember about you when your life on this earth is done. Hopefully some of the qualities of love outlined in 1 Corinthians 13.
We are flawed human beings and always a work in progress, but let’s aspire to live so we leave a legacy of love above all else.
Love is patient
Love is kind
It does not envy
It does not boast
It is not proud
It does not dishonour others
It is not self seeking
It is not easily angered
It keeps no record of wrongs
It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth
It always protects
Always trusts
Always hopes
Always perseveres
Love never fails
(1 Corinthians 13:4-8)
