Sometimes we get so involved in our lives and the stresses of what we are currently dealing with that we fail to realize how finite our lives on this earth really are.  Over the last few years, the reality of how short life is has been burning in my mind.  A little over a year ago, pretty early on a Sunday morning, my husband received a phone call that neither he nor I ever expected, and definitely did not want.  A dear friend and former coworker of ours had passed away tragically.  The news was crushing, particularly to my husband who had coached and worked closely with him for many years. Even after moving to another school district, they had stayed in touch.  This man was an incredible figure in the community.  Although he was only 30, his influence far outstretched his years.  Seeing the outpouring of love from the community was nothing short of humbling.  In the days that followed, the people he had touched demonstrated their great love for him in many ways. Students filled the road where he was killed with his favorite drink, Dr. Pepper. People wrote letters, had several candlelight vigils, and mourned deeply. The community will forever be changed.  His funeral was very touching and it was incredible to see how many people he had influenced with his unwavering faith in God.

In the year since that time, I have done a lot of thinking.  Although he probably did not realize the scope of his influence, he left an incredible legacy.  I know as a 30-something myself, I often take for granted that I will have many more years on this earth.  However, none of us knows the number of our days.  His tragic death has reminded me how tender life is and how vitally important it is to live life to the fullest every single day.

I was reminded of that fact again today. I learned of a high school classmate and friend who’s 3 year struggle with cancer ended when she passed away early this morning. My heart is breaking for her family. Although we haven’t seen each other in years, through social media, I have been able to keep up with her battle with cancer. It is absolutely devastating learning of someone so young, with 2 young boys, having her life come to an end. It makes no sense. However, through all of her struggles she has inspired hundreds of people. Her sense of determination and drive to live life to the fullest is absolutely apparent. I can only hope to leave a legacy as strong as the one she has left.

Wow.  This verse makes it plain that we don’t know what the future will hold for us.  We can plan ahead and have goals and dreams, but ultimately God is in control.  We must not brag about ourselves or what we are doing or going to do because God is the one who gives us those abilities and blessings.  “We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NLT.  We must take life a day at a time and focus on the one who’s opinion really matters; God himself. I know in my own life, when I trust God rather than myself, I am always blessed.

My biggest prayer right now is that I will allow God to direct my steps.  I want to be strong in my faith.  I want to leave a Godly legacy.  I am deeply saddened by the loss of another friend.  But I am so blessed knowing that she left a legacy so strong that hundreds of people saw the hands and feet of Jesus through her.  I want my legacy to be one where people see the work of God in every single facet of my life.  That is our highest calling for our time here on earth.  “The LORD knows the days of the blameless, and their heritage will remain forever” Psalm 37:18 ESV.  I pray that I don’t waste the days I have been given.  Whether I am instilling Godly principles into my children during this season, or demonstrating my faith in action through the way I live every day, my goal (and yours) should be to leave a lasting legacy.