Lee and Marilyn. John and Rhonda. Wayne and Rita. Paul and Karen. Skip and Carol. Brian and Jackie. Dennis and Jean. Jerry and Jeanie. Phil and Emily. Jeremy and Emily. Brent and Becky. Tom and Connie. Wade and Laura. Ben and Laura. Kieran and Patti. Derek and Tabitha. And just a "few" others...

Some of you know all of these and could add more to the list - and I was just thinking couples, never mind the single people like Doug, Brittany, Sara, Sarah, Mallory, and so on. Most of you know some of these. I suppose there may be one or two already who know none of them.

All of these people named were members here once, in just the time I have been here attending, but are gone. Some moved, some died, some left the Lord. Many brought laughter, some brought tears.

Mention a name and what do you think of? Sometimes in worldly terms it is a summation of what they did. When I think of John and Rhonda, I recall snapping suspenders and I believe the kidney shaped classroom kid's table downstairs. Paul and Karen remind me of simple things, like plants and rocks. Jean reminds me of laughter. Jerry was my mentor in being a deacon. Ben reminds me of cheese and bacon. Kieran of politics, old time religion, and Halloweens past. Wade brings to mind the chicken dance.

I recon I could bring up many things about every one of them, some good and some bad. Truth is they lived and worked among us. They achieved triumphs and setbacks. And yes, it is true that Randy and Deniese will join that list of "has beens" sooner or later - either this year or in years to come. But just as true ALL of us will join that list, I guarantee it.

So what will your legacy be? When people mention YOUR name will you elicit a fond memory, a sad memory, or a complete blank? It's a good question - will you put yourself out there and try, or hide in your shell, a memory quick to fade away after you are gone. The book of Hebrews lists quite a few folks, and while they are not perfect they are winners, not losers, and used as examples. Could the same be said of us?

I sometimes recall the quote usually attributed to Calvin Coolidge - No man was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.

Or as David reminds himself, God has a long memory too: Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book? It would seem that David believes that God cares, that he remembers us, and our deeds are bought to mind when he considers us. So how shall we choose to live, and how shall we be remembered, when we are gone?

Randy