Thinking About My Epitaph
Okay, I’m not actually thinking about my epitaph (those words written in memory of a person who has died), but I AM desiring to live in a way that when my number is called that I will have left behind some good seeds that I planted.
I’m reminded of that when I attend a funeral aka memorial service aka Celebration of Life, which was the case on Wednesday. Honestly, if you need motivation, I recommend you attend a good funeral of someone who lived their life with intentionality. Using the word “motivation” and “good” combined with “funeral” may sound like an oxymoron, a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other, but not in the case of the memorial service I attended on Wednesday. The Celebration of Life of Ralph Heyward Ramsey III didn’t disappoint because this man positively impacted the lives of his family, his loved ones, his friends, colleagues, and students.
Every word spoken and conveyed -– packed a punch! Every inspiring, hilarious, and moving story of a life changed because of this one man, gave me the impetus to step up my own game a notch! Most of all, I left with desiring to live on purpose in this life because it really is short – in the light of eternity that is forever. And forever is a long time!
It was said that Heyward’s last words spoken were “I love you, Jesus. I know you love me.” Few words, but those words spoke volumes to us as we understood why he was so admired and loved. His first love was Jesus and that is the difference maker in the tender-hearted, loving, devoted, highly esteemed and respected man he was to others.
One of Heyward’s dear friends said he would receive a regular call from Heyward asking: “How can I pray for you this week?” Pastor Chris Gilkey said these words which were obviously so true: “He was an imitator of God.” Ephesians 5:1-2 says “Be imitators of God, as beloved children, and walk in love.”
One of Heyward’s students who went on to follow in his steps said: “He was a teacher in everything he did.” Most of all he was a Seed Planter. I want to be a Seed Planter, too. A friend and author wrote this poem and handed out to those attending.
The Seed Planter, by Terese Holloway
“When this life on earth is over,
And it’s ALL been said and done;
What seeds will you have planted,
In the harvest yet to come?
Could it be that in this season,
You were sent into this world;
To be the ‘rhyme’ to someone’s reasons,
Or the oyster’s treasured pearl?
Would it be so hard to truly grasp God’s hand
Upon your ‘humbled’ life;
To keep your eyes on heaven’s task,
And find love’s strength inside the fight?
What WILL you leave when you are gone,
To paint the portrait of God’s love;
Will you take a step and go BEYOND,
Where all you have will be ENOUGH?
Oh, Lord, IF ONLY, we had eyes to SEE
Our lives ‘inside’ the dated dash;
Then maybe we’d plant MANY seeds
Upon our journey down life’s path!”
This Celebration of Life left me with a lasting impression. Just hearing such words of tribute, can sure make us desire to be imitators of God, too. That’s what matters. I want to represent well the life that God has given me. Maybe it’s time we all start today with eternity in mind and the words that will be said of us at our memorial service. Maybe it would create the desire in us to step it up a notch.