by Martha June

Cemeteries are one of my absolute favorites. I know exactly what you are thinking my friends. “Well, that creepy!” Most everyone I have ever met thinks that same thing. I, on the other hand, love them. Not because I love the thought of death, on the contrary, I love and value life! As a little girl, my parents first home backed up to a cemetery. That cemetery was our extended backyard. Every time  I  looked at a cemetery, I did not see death or graves, I saw a field full of stones and memories. That cemetery was my playground, sledding hill, bocce ball tournament location, and where my dog roamed.

Growing up it was one of my favorite places just because we spent so much time back there. Not many others did besides the caretaker (who drove a John Deere lawn mower, JOY!) We had it mostly to ourselves and liked it that way. Once they even filmed part of a horror movie back there, with a Vampire coming out of a grave or something.  Yet, every time I mention I grew up there, I get quizzical looks and very disturbing remarks. “Have you ever seen ghosts?” “Of course not!”

I think it all depends on your perspective. The same is true in life, it depends on what glass you look through. Today I drove through that old cemetery, remembering how much fun we had there. Driving through it reminded me how precious life truly is. Not just the memories we make, but the legacy we will leave. People will always be watching us, whether we know it or not. People will be looking up to us, whether we know it or not. Someday people will remember us, or they won’t. I don’t know about you, but I want to be remembered. Not just remembered, but leaving a legacy for those behind me.

I can’t tell you how many times someone’s legacy has impacted my life. Those who lived their lives for Christ and chose to risk everything to follow him. Those who chose to love unconditionally, serve wholeheartedly, and share hope. Those who gave up their lives and found it. (Matthew 16:25) I know most of you reading this are only teenagers, like myself. Yet, even teenagers leave a legacy..others will remember who was in High School, even if you don’t keep in contact.

Putting social media aside, popularity aside, and whether you were fashionable or not. How will people remember you? Will they remember you as the popular exclusive one, the quiet one, or the girl/guy that loved everyone? Will they remember you as mean, kind, or sweet? Will they remember your love of Christ or your indifference?  These years are some of the most important of your entire life. Now is the time to shape them, into the person you want to be remembered as. Now is the time to run after Jesus with everything you have, risking it all “your reputation, success, your comfort…that moment when fear is overcome by faith.” (For King and Country)

It is something to think about my friends. It is my hope you know who Jesus is and why he died for YOU. If not I pray you will find him and you will find him if you seek him with all your heart. Sorry to get all “hardcore” on Y’all, but I do hope it is encouraging/challenging nonetheless.

Sincerely,

that weird girl who likes cemeteries