It has never escaped me that people care way more about you- what you did or said – after you die. Case in point – Van Gogh, Henry David Thoreau, Apple guy…Steve Jobs. It seems kind of strange that posthumous people tend to have more widespread influence than most people that are living… but I think it’s also important to realize this because it reminds me that God wants to, and can, use every part of our life and death to His glory. I want my legacy to be one that reflects and points people to Truth, Love, and Meaning. Let me explain further…
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I picked up my aunt recently from the airport and she was telling me about a book she had just finished. The premise was that the author took time to write a letter to his friends and family, expressing what he most wanted them to know. My aunt said that as she was sitting on the plane, she began to think about what she would want each of her family members to know. Her answer: “I would want them to know how important it is to have a relationship with Jesus.”
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Yes. All I can say from the depth of my heart is, yes. That is my prayer for my friends and family and the world. But, because I am not as concise as my aunt, and being brief is nearly impossible for me – here is what I would want you, my beloved friends, to know, if this was truly the last letter/blog post I ever get to write…
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Dear (insert your name here :) ),
It has been such a joy to get to know you. I know that in our lives there have been many trials- but I mean it, it has been an incredible blessing and joy to get to walk through life with you! We are not meant to carry the weight of this life alone and your willingness to share your life with me has helped me to grow in my relationship with the Lord, as we learn to trust Him together.
Something I’m learning is that life is not easy. My life is not easy, your life is not easy and the lives of those around us are certainly not easy. I don’t think the Lord intends for life to be easy- He loves us too much for that. However, the Lord didn’t intend for all the pain and suffering we see in the world. Our world is broken. That brokenness is a result of sin. Sin entered the world when we chose to go our own way – when Adam and Eve decided they wanted to be in charge of their own lives. This seems harmless, but we (as humanity) do not know what is best. Only God does… This is so important to remember.
As you continue to go through life, many will tell you that you should follow your heart, do what you think is best, and live to make yourself happy. This too sounds very harmless, but what does God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, say?
Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is deceitful above all else.”
Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.”
And Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. Think about Him in all your ways and He will lead you on the right path.”
Keep fighting the good fight my friend! Love the Lord with all your heart, mind, soul and strength. Many people will disappoint you, situations will not go the way you want or expect, but God works in all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His name. God has told us what is good: to walk closely with Him, act justly, and love mercy. Ask Him to help you live His Truth – because we cannot do it on our own. Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. I could go on and on, but really, I’m just starting to quote Scripture – that’s what I would want you to know. The Word of God. Check it out ASAP. The time to truly know Love and live is now.
With the Love of Christ, your friend,
Katie
P.S. Found this verse to be so true! :) “A joyful heart is good medicine…” -Proverbs 17:22
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Check out the apostle Paul’s last recorded letter in 2 Timothy. Paul knew death was near, so he wrote to his brother in Christ, Timothy, whom he also considered to be like a son. His words are powerful and heartfelt.
“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God… for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:6-7
(Photo credit: The Hafner Family)
Katie Nelson 
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