Leave a godly legacy

"We will use these stones to build a memorial. In the future your children will ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘They remind us that the Jordan River stopped flowing when the Ark of the LORD’s Covenant went across.’ These stones will stand as a memorial among the people of Israel forever.'" Joshua 4:6-7 NLT

In a sad story published yesterday by The Mercury News, it was reported that Fred Zalokar, a 61-year-old Reno trail runner who went missing over the weekend in Yosemite, was found dead. The announcement gave no information on a cause of death and said it remains under investigation. Zalokar had planned a solo day hike Saturday from Yosemite Valley’s Happy Isles trailhead to Mount Clark using an off-trail route from Bunnell Point. He failed to return. Those left to mourn his passing included his wife, Deb, and his son, Ian. In describing Fred’s legacy, or the mark he left on the world, the following was said, "Zalokar had been a standout marathoner and ultrarunner since his 20s, according to the Reno Gazette Journal. Among his accomplishments: He clocked sub-24-hour finishes in 100-mile races including the Western States 100 and the Leadville Trail 100; ran marathons on every continent, including Antarctica; won his age group in the six “world marathon majors” (Boston, New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, Tokyo); and summited the highest peaks on five continents."

And you know, when it comes to leaving a legacy, you and I would do well to examine the life of Joshua who, after crossing the Jordan and receiving instructions from the Lord, told the twelve men he had appointed to gather "stones to build a memorial" so that when future generations asked what the stones meant they could share the story of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. You see, their legacy was not to be a story of the things they accomplished or acquired in this life but the story of what God had done through them and for them; something that was done so that their "children" and their grandchildren (and all the generations to follow) would know their great God and be inspired to follow Him as well. 

So knowing that each and every one of us will leave "stones" behind when we leave this world, what story will your stones tell? What will you be remembered for? I don't know about you my friend but I don't want to be remembered for any of my accomplishments. I want to be remembered as a woman who loved the Lord with all her heart, served with her whole life and inspired others to do the same. I want to be remembered for simply loving Jesus and sharing the love of Christ by my words and actions. How do you want to be remembered?

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that we have an obligation to share the stories of Your kindness, goodness and faithfulness with the next generation. Let us be bold in telling our children of the many ways You have kept your promises and the many ways You have worked throughout our lives that they would follow You. Thank You for being such a good Father. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!