faithful friday: leaving a legacy

I read a beautiful obituary this morning of a woman's 85 years on this earth about her lessons learned and taught in this life.

She was an example of how to make the most of our days here and to leave a lasting legacy.  Shouldn't we all live each moment with the hope that we're making an impact in the here and now that will be remembered fondly.  But, most importantly, we should strive to make an eternal difference.

The only obituary I've ever penned, yet never imagined doing, was of my son and his beautiful but short life here.

Timothy Austin Blair, a beloved son and brother, died on Saturday night, November 29, 2008, near his home.

Austin left a legacy in his 14 short years on this earth. He will always be remembered for his compassion for others, his loving spirit, and for having the heart of a volunteer. Austin was a freshman at Ohio County High School, where he loved to be with his friends, to learn new things, and to volunteer.

He was a member of OCHS Band, OC Drug Free, Youth Advisory Council, and donated his time at the animal shelter, the library, and was selected to shadow in ER at Ohio County Hospital.

He followed the passions of his parents, raising money for Relay For Life and by becoming a Jr Firefighter for Beaver Dam Fire & Rescue. Austin was a member of Beaver Dam Baptist church and proud to be a Christian. He loved all sports, especially baseball, starting at the early age of 3. He was currently in training for MMA Wrestling.

Austin is survived by his loving parents, Tim and Heather Blair of Beaver Dam and by his little brother, Noah.

Austin, too, was an example of how we should live each day.  He lived his life with purpose and accomplished so much in such little time.  His passion was helping others.  And what hugs my heart is that he continues to make a difference.  Austin's story and his legacy has continued to touch others, to heal broken hearts, and to restore families.  Most proudly, his story has brought others closer to God. I'll gladly live the rest of my days following his footsteps and striving for a fraction of his legacy. 

I would imagine our Heavenly Father's wish for any obituary to be simply...

"They told others about Jesus and loved them like He does."

Faithful Friday: New Attitude

When life is less than lovely and then a peace comes, do we ever see it in the moment?  From the point where you can't breathe to normal, can we notice the switch?

I don't know that I ever recognize the transformation as it happens, but I do try to gratefully appreciate the change once I realize it.  In the peace, I look back and am thankful for the relief. 


Perhaps peace comes with the passing of time.  Reflection, prayer, processing.

  Maybe...the long, holiday weekend on the water. 
Rest for the body, as well as the soul.

Or, it could be the chopping off of my hair.  A physical symbolism of starting this next phase of my life anew.  Doubtful, but I did leave the salon with a new attitude!

All those things may help ease stress, but I know where my peace comes from.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. 

Not as the world gives do I give to you. 

Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." John 14:27

But beyond just surviving the storm, I work to learn from it.  What was God showing me in those moments when I was weak, incapable, and frustrated?  Who did I turn to or lean on when life was swirling out of control?

Summer 13' was anything but what I imagined or dreamed it to be.  Yet, as the end of the season came, the only pressing upon me was the sweltering heat.  All summer long the weather has been beautiful and bearable, life had been anything but.  In the end, the weather was miserably hot and oppressive but life was going to be ok.  Whatever outcome the future held, I was at peace.  Despite a week or two of weakness, I'd finally given it God.  Whatever will be, will be...

So the question now is, "What do I want to be when I grow up?"
Or rather, what does God want me to be?

Prayers appreciated for direction, discernment, and devotion to God as I navigate through this new chapter.  With each step, I'll continue to see the JOY in the journey.