Contemplating Square One

(This was written yesterday, and after TOO many hours and frustrating moments of trying to embed the audio and/or video of a song to go with this little talk, here it is ....)

What is square one for you? That is the question that has been haunting my mind the last couple hours.

I think there are many things that can consitute "square one". The challenge is looking at the current situation, right? Does it refer to when one is cooking? or when my son is having a meltdown? or the computer freezes? or when someone has passed away? For me, today, it's the last one.

I was doing some internet surfing when I popped by the website of my home church in B.C. and I came across a video of a memorial service. Typically I assume those video clips will be of the older generation, the people that have served well and lived a fruitful life. However, today it was a young lady my age. Don't get me wrong - she did serve incredibly well and lived a fruitful life, but I didn't think her life would be so short. She had an amazing way of living life! She was always smiling, serving and loving. If you were to listen to her family and friends speak about her, you would definately want to know her. She lived up to her name, Melodie Joy! I remember her well.

So it brings me to my original question - What is square one? I think it means a good evaluation of life and priorities is in order. Where do I spend my time? What do I value my money with? Who do I think of and serve on a regular basis? Do the answers to these questions dictate selfishness? I hope not ... but that is my goal this week and the weeks ahead. To answer those questions in a way that would leave a legacy beyond myself, one that's larger than just me. I challenge you to do the same. What is going to be your legacy?

Legacy - Nichole Nordeman (video here)

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
I enjoy an accolade like the rest
And You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all the who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best at such'n'such
It wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
An accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

Not well traveled, not well read
Not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead
"Well Done" good and faithful one...

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love?
Did I point to You enough to make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace
Who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me ...