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."