Scissortail Hospice Chaplain Bristow, Oklahoma
How Do You Want to Be Remembered?
People are remembered by the memories they leave behind. Memories serve to bond people long after they have gone separate ways. The quality of these memories impact the influence one can make in the lives of those they cross paths with and those they leave behind.
The question on how we want to be remembered may seem a bit morbid and overwhelming; when the immediate focus is typically more about the dayin- day-out responsibilities of single generations primarily doing life alone (without multi-generational or extended family support). We shudder at the thought of death and hush up talks pointing to this inevitable end like they were curses, but death is the final destination of our earthly existence and the beginning of our eternal life and home. Thereafter, we leave traces of ourselves behind on planet earth by the memories we leave behind. Have we ever given thought to how we will be remembered by family and friends? Will it be in honor or in disgrace, despair or hope, negative pain or positive pain plus comfort?
A reporter once interviewed the residents of a small town about what they thought of their outgoing governor.
'He was a liar and a cheat,' said a convenient store worker.
'He was a pompous ***,' said the school principal.
'I have never voted for him in my life,' said a social worker.
'He was the most corrupt politician I have ever known,' said a hair stylist (barber).
When the reporter finally interviewed the governor, he asked him how much salary he received when he was governor.
'My goodness, I didn't receive any salary,' said the governor. 'Then why did you take the job?' asked the reporter. 'For the honor,' replied the governor. (Dramatic music.)
As I respond now to my own article, I believe I want to be remembered for my sensitivity, compassion, and sense of humor. Perhaps, I would like to be remembered, not for my achievements (there aren't many, anyway) but for my character, commitment, and dedication to God’s Kingdom and family; someone who genuinely cared for others who are hurting; someone who made this world a better place for everyone. Wow, that sounds like a eulogy,doesn’t it? That reminds me of the verse found in the Bible in Ecclesiastes 7:2, which states, “It is better to spend your time at funerals than at festivals. For you are going to die, and it is a good thing to think about it while there is still time.” (May I add,“while there is still time to change the way you will be remembered and influence after you are gone if that is needed.”) How about you? How will you be remembered? How do you want to be remembered?
John T. Catrett, III Scissortail Hospice Chaplain 306 North Main Street, Suite E Bristow, OK 94010 918.352.3080