My husband’s sweet mother joined his dad in Heaven almost two years ago, and for the past several months, he has been sorting through the belongings of their long and blessed lives. Unlike my mother, who had already downsized to a small room, theirs is an entire house full of not only possessions, but so, so many sweet memories. There are literally trunks full of photos, some nearly a century old. There are treasures there as well, things that were special enough to be gently wrapped in tissue paper and tucked away for safe keeping – tangible reminders of beautiful lives well lived.
When I mentioned to Tom that I wanted to write about our parents and the experience of wrapping up the loose ends of their physical lives here on earth, I mentioned that I had heard a song recently that seemed to sum it up so well, and one I know they would all agree on from their side of Heaven. I think when our hearts are deeply invested in something, our spirits seem to be drawn to things that will help to give words to those feelings. Such is definitely the case with “Only Jesus” by Casting Crowns.
As time does her wonderful thing and softens the fresh edges off of the grief of losing our parents, what remains has nothing to do with Delft blue or century-old photos. When I think of my Mom, I remember her deep love of the Bible and her constant encouragement in our pursuit of ministry. I remember how she loved her church and touched the lives of so many with her deep faith in God.
I recall the morning routine of my inlaws who, year after year, would begin their day in the living room with fresh coffee, devotions and prayer. Even after my father-in-law passed, Tom’s mom held to the same routine on her own, every morning, before even getting dressed – coffee, devotions and prayer. They were two of the most faithful and humble examples of servanthood I have ever been blessed to know and also touched more lives with their faith in God than I’m sure they ever dreamed.
So, we’ve been talking about the idea of legacies and the concept of “passing down” things from one generation to the next, and this is what we’ve discovered at the end of so many losses of those dear to us. There is nothing – not one single possession we have or ever will have that will be important or even remembered given enough time. The things that we feel are impossibly hard to let go of will not last – nothing is meant to last forever. But what DOES last forever is, “Did I live the truth to those I love? Was my life the proof that there is only One whose name will last forever?”
If Jesus is the only name that is remembered out of my one life, I will have honored Him well, and that is truly the only legacy that matters – year after year – from generation to generation….only Jesus.
Love,
Shellie ♥
Only Jesus
Casting Crowns
Make it count, leave a mark, build a name for yourself
Dream your dreams, chase your heart, above all else
Make a name the world remembers
But all an empty world can sell is empty dreams
I got lost in the light when it was up to me
To make a name the world remembers
But Jesus is the only name to remember
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
All the kingdoms built, all the trophies won
Will crumble into dust when it’s said and done
‘Cause all that really mattered
Did I live the truth to the ones I love?
Was my life the proof that there is only One
Whose name will last forever?
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name to remember, oh
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name
Jesus is the only name to remember
And I, I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
And I, I’ve only got one life to live
I’ll let every second point to Him
Only Jesus
I don’t want to leave a legacy
I don’t care if they remember me
Only Jesus
Songwriters: Bernie Herms / John Mark Hall / Matthew Joseph West
Only Jesus lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Capitol Christian Music Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC