Walking through the local cemetery is peaceful. It's quiet. It gives me reason to contemplate life.
Today, I looked at the tombstones and wondered if each person fulfilled the potential God had for them. Or, were they distracted by worldy pleasures, financial endeavors, or the next good time. How little those things matter when your head is layed to rest.
Rebuked, I realized I'm not responsible for a deceased being's good or bad works. I'm responsible for me.
So, what did I learn in the cemetery?
1. A lot of tombstones have "Mom" written on them. Not one says, "Super Model."
2. Some die young. That doesn't mean they didn't fulfill God's plan for them.
3. Some die old. That doesn't mean they did fulfill God's plan for them.
4. The largest monuments can appear cold and barren.
5. The smallest grave can be filled with bouquets.
At the end of my days, I hope my great-grandchildren dance on my tombstone as God welcomes me Home with a "Well Done!"
Today, I thank God for life and pray for obedience to accomplish His plan for me on this earth. That's all I want. That's enough. It's a Splash of Serenity that just keeps on splashing to the next generation!
Looking forward to Heaven when my work is done on earth,
Elaine
Elaine,
ReplyDeleteThis post brought back memories of walking through the cemetaries with my Aunt Nancy. We started these ritual walks before Memorial Day each year with additional visits while the weather was warm and beautiful. My aunt would share stories of those she knew, history learned of others, and encouraged me to "imagine" the life of the name listed on the stone. Your blog challenged me to rethink my walks through the cemetary of past, present, and future.
My daughter enjoys a walk through the cemetary too - I'll be sharing your blog with her on our next walk. We are to worry about and take care of ourselves. :)
Lisa
Thanks, Lisa. My mom accepted the Lord while we walked through a cemetary. She was 75 and fretting a bit about what type of stone she wanted when she died and that she wanted to be under a tree, etc. I told her I wasn't worried about where I was buried because I wouldn't be there anyway. She seemed shocked. She asked me where I'd be. I said, "Heaven!" She asked me how I knew that. I told her and she accepted Christ. Cemetaries spur conversations, that's for sure.
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