Archive notice: This is a historical post from Mary’s years of blogging. Some older posts may mention products, courses or shop items that are no longer available, as Mary now focuses her time and energy on supporting widows inside her private Facebook community. The guidance and stories remain here as a free resource for widows.
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When we reach the end of our life, it won't matter what possessions we have. When it's all said and done, our relationship with others is all that really matters. How we related to the people we care about is the only legacy that has the power to live pass our lifetime.
There are so many obstacles to loving other people - expectations, disappointments, betrayals, hurts, lies and misunderstandings. But having said all that we are meant to love and be loved and we need to be more concerned about our relationships now that we have been touched by death.
Take the time to express how you appreciate their friendship, how important they are to you and the love you feel for each family member. Discuss where things many have failed, ask their forgiveness and give others your forgiveness.
You don't know how much time you have so give others the gift of time, to allow them to know the real you and to leave them with memories that will linger long after you're gone.
Please don't take your lifetime for granted or worry about protecting your hearts by being so strong that you don't have to rely on anyone. Sure, some people are harder to relate to, but we are all social creatures who yearn to belong. People will disappoint us and even hurt us, but if we play it safe we will pay the price in loneliness.
- Make a list of people you want to share your time with.
- Find a way to surprise someone you care about.
- Write a letter asking for forgiveness - you don't have to send it.
Poem
The measure of a life, after all,
is not its duration
but its donation.
Corrie Ten BOOM
