Sunday, July 12, 2009

Living It Out

This was a weekend of good-byes. On Saturday we attended the funeral for my husband's cousin who died unexpectantly of a stroke. Then this afternoon we said good-bye to Jen, the daughter of another cousin, and her husband and kids as they head out to and new life and career in Idaho. As we said a tearygood-bye, Jen talked about looking to Bill and me as examples of parents whose kids have turned out well. I was humbled by her comment and this weekend of good-byes has me thinking about the messages we give when we don't even know anyone's watching.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who has sat at a funeral and wondered what people will say about me after I'm gone. What kind of a legacy am I leaving for my kids and grandkids? Are they seeing integrity, compassion, and love for Jesus in my daily decisions and attitudes? As a writer, will the words I leave behind touch hearts and lives after I'm gone? Our latest release, Stillwater Promise, has a message about marriage I believe in passionately: Marriage is work, but so, so worth it. Don't ever give up. It is an extreme privilege to have a forum for writing out my convictions in story form, but if Bill and I aren't living out this principle before our kids and grandkids daily, my words in print will sound hollow.
My question to you is: How are you purposefully imparting wisdom to the next generation? What are you doing to "live out" what you believe?

5 comments:

Eileen Astels Watson said...

I'm sorry to hear of your loss, Becky. But wonderful to hear of how you are mentoring to family with your life as wife and mother.

I hope that the example I live leads my children to living a life of joy and perseverence and trust in God. I guess time will tell whether or not I succeed.

Patti Lacy said...

Becky, you have been going through a lot this summer.

Daily I pray for the Holy Spirit to guide me into actions that will speak the gospel. Without His helps, it's just a bunch of filthy rags...

Glad to see you posting again!

SRI said...

Imparting wisdom is a hard one. Just when we think we've got a handle on it, something happens and we're left with egg on our face. Very humbling! ;)

Prayer, prayer and more prayer. Not relying on just myself but trying to surround ourselves with Godly people as examples helps too.

It's a blessing to know that you've been a wonderful example of Christ for others. Everyone I know who've read your books have all said they've been touched and had truths shown to them.

When I grow up I want to be just like the other Pearls...;)

Becky Melby said...

Thanks for all your great contributions, Pearls. Awesome to see that you all mention prayer and trust in the Lord as keys to a life that will impact others.

And Lee--forget growing up! What fun would that be?

prashant said...

wonderful to hear of how you are mentoring to family with your life as wife and mother.
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