The House of Mourning

"Better to spend your time at funerals than at parties.  After all, everyone dies—so the living should take this to heart." Ecclesiastes 7:2

Our country is in the house of mourning today as we honor the life and beautiful legacy of the forty-first President of the United States of America.  

We have listened to memories recounted by dignitaries, family, friends, and those in the media, and the consistency of his character and integrity is evident to all.  While not a perfect man, he was careful not to let his failures define him, but rather use them as springboards to greater successes in his life.  He was kind, loving, thoughtful, respectful, faithful, hopeful, optimistic, and the epitome of friend and family man.

Listening to the various eulogies given, I couldn't help but wonder how I would be remembered when departed from this earth, and to contemplate my own legacy.  Like the former President, have you ever questioned why you are still here and what plans God has for you?

It is good to take stock of our life, to contemplate its impact--whether good or bad--from time to time, and to make some adjustments.

Have you contemplated your life lately?

Are you loving and forgiving more?  Have you grown softer and gentler with age?  Or, are you more determined than ever to have your own way and cast stones at others?  

I like what Alan Simpson said in his eulogy of the former President.  He said his mother taught him, "Hatred corrodes the container it’s carried in."  How very true.

May we never hate anything or anyone except evil.

And, may we grow kinder and gentler toward others with each passing day that we might leave a legacy that loves and honors God.

Goodnight, Runners.