What would it say on your tombstone?
Have you ever thought about what it will say on your tombstone?
Yesterday I was at the showing prior to the funeral of my accountability partner and good friend Kevin. His Dad had just passed away. He said he had no idea that so many people would come. His dad was 91 and had been married to the same woman for 63 years. He’d been a preacher for 39 years and people came from all over came to pay their respect. It was kinda like a celebration. He knew where he was going to spend eternity and so did his family.
It made me stop and think about what they might put on my tombstone when I die.
A line from my book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1932226486/sr=8-1/qid=1152531156/ref=sr_1_1/104-3080905-6983962?ie=UTF8"><strong>Escape from Mediocrity</strong> </a>says, “I’ve had at times what seemed to be a fortune. I’ve been broke, destitute, and stranded. All things considered, having money is better.”
However having money and acquiring “things” is not nearly as important as friendships, peace of mind, sleeping good at night without drugs, feeling great all day with out taking drugs or downing a six pack, having good health, having a faithful loving spouse, and having good relationships with your children and your siblings. That’s what really important.
I hope that at my showing and funeral it will be sort of a celebration. What kind of legacy did I leave? What memory will you leave behind?
What would I hope is put on my tombstone when the Lord says my time on earth is finished?
I hope it would read: He loved life and he lived it fully. He rode boxcars with hobos. In the summer of ’65, at age 15, he hitchhiked 3000 miles, from Missouri to California and back.
He made records in Nashville. Sang his songs on TV. Was interviewed by Ralph Emery. He had two failed marriages and a one successful one. One business that failed and many that had great success. Was audited by the IRS, taught Sunday School for years, told the story of Jesus to many, wrote his autobiography, and wrote an inspirational book as his testimony.
Clay Campbell was a learner and a get it done type of guy. He always had a list of things to do. He was a master showman and entertainer. He was a humorist, always laughing a having fun at whatever he did. He gave encouragement and inspiration to countless talented young performers. He was loved and admired by his family, fans, and friends. He and his wife Barbara raised three boys. He made a difference in their lives by passionately loving them and their mother. He knew where he was going to spend eternity and so did his family.
He will be missed.
I’d be very pleased to hear from you and what you’d hope would be put on your grave marker for the passers by to read.
More later.