My mother loved antiques and always seemed to find treasures when she went “antiquing”. She was particularly fond of Delft blue pottery, tiles, fabric, tins, china….just about anything with a blue windmill or a wooden shoe was nearly irresistable to her! She also liked to write stories and poems that recalled the days of her rural Indiana childhood, and it wasn’t unusual for her to give my sister or me a call because she had gotten so tickled at something she wrote and needed to share it out loud. She’s been gone nearly six years now and just a few months ago, we finally felt ready to take on the task of going through the remaining boxes that contained the last of her belongings….her treasures.

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.

In our own home, there are reminders of a life lost as well, only all too soon. There are things that were meant to be passed from father to son that don’t hold the same meaning any longer. There are collections of books and video games and cards that need to find new homes, and will when the time is right, but for now they feel like a safety blanket, “things” to remind us (OK….me – Tom is much better at this than I am!) of the beautiful life of one who I’m sure is cupping his hands around his mouth and leaning down to get our attention, shouting, “Hey, parents…..I know you feel attached to my stuff, but really….I don’t need my Pokemon cards any more!” =)

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 ♥

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Only Jesus
Casting Crowns