Remember me

When I was in high school I was a nobody. And I was happy with that.  I didn't play sports. I wasn't involved with school council. I wasn't a loser and I wasn't  popular, but I had friends that could have been included in either category. I doubt there is anyone from high school that would ever say "I wonder what ever happened to Mandy Forsyth?" And you know what. ..it doesn't even bother me.  I am completely content with that.  I have no regrets with how I played out my high school years.

However, this past month or so has been rough. I've attended two funerals and a memorial, and it's got me thinking. When I check out of this life at 77, or 82 or 94 years old, how will I be remembered? I am no longer satisfied with being a nobody. That was fine and dandy for High School, but that no longer appeals to me. I want to have left a mark on this world. So what is it that I want people to say of me after I have passed from this life to the next?

So here's what I've been thinking(in no particular order...except the first one I want to be first said of me)

1. I want to be known as a woman of faith. I want there to be no doubt that I held dear my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. That my faith in Him was my guiding force in all that I said and did. That I knew that I was a daughter of God and that my Savior lived, died and rose again so that I could return to live with him again through my faith in His name.
2. I want to be known as a woman who loved and loved deeply. Not just my own family, but all those that I held dear to my heart. I don't ever want any of them to ever wonder how much I truly loved them and how much they meant to me.
3. I want to be known as a woman who never spoke an unkind word about anyone. A woman who could always find the good in people and focus on that good.
4. I want to be know as a woman who made friends and lots of them, simply because I was pleasant to be around and could be trusted.
5. I want to be remembered for having the coolest house on the block. A place where my children's friends wanted to be. A place where parents knew their kids were safe and having a good time.
6. I want to be known as a woman who treasured the simple things in life and valued time spent with family and friends.
7. I want to be known as a mom who would do anything for her children and as a wife who respected and honoured her husband. 
8. I want to be known as a woman who valued community and was involved in trying to make her community the best it could be.

As I have thought through this list, I have come to the realization that I have some work to do. And I have noticed these past few weeks that my goals and attitudes have changed a bit as I have reflected on these points. I hope that by writing these down they will become more ingrained in my brain and continue to be a guiding light in the way that I conduct myself. 

If you happen to notice me acting contrary to these points, feel free to kick me in the butt and get me going on the right path again :)

What do you want said of you?