In Loving Memory...

I went to a funeral today and it birthed thoughts in my mind.

First off, it hit me like a brick that my loved one's body was lying in this casket, but SHE, her soul and spirit, was gone. This is not a new concept for me. I have the knowledge and understanding of the process of death but to actually experience it one more time was tough. Death is always difficult for me. But this realization reminded me once more that my body, on one side, is nothing. It's just clay; dirt and water.

As I have been doing, I need to continuously work on my soul and my spirit. Working to become closer to God and to make an impact in people's lives through love. That is what is important. Different friends and loved ones rose up and spoke kinds words about the deceased. It made me wonder, as I do at every funeral, "What will they say about me? What type of legacy will I leave behind?" I pray that people recognize my love for Christ as well as my love for others. I want the love that I have inside of me to penetrate the very core of each person's heart that I come into contact with. I am an advocate for love, but I can do better to make that love manifest in others' lives.

Shift my space. Get focused. Love with my entire being. Don't hold anything back.

The song "I Can Only Imagine" was played during the ceremony and it stirred me up. When I go to be with the Lord, will He be pleased with my works that I have done, within and without? Will the Heavens rejoice that I've made it? I am striving to please Jesus alone. I want my heart to be like His. I am not my own, I belong to Him therefore I shall do whatever He wishes for me with no questions asked, no hesitation. If I do this that I strive to do, then I know that He will be pleased to the uttermost.

This is my desire.

xoxo, Rita