What do I want people to say about me?

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

 

That question has been on my mind lately. It first came into my consciousness about a month ago when I was asked at a mom's group, "What is the one thing you want your child to say about you?" I had never really thought about it. I didn't have an answer. Maybe because my child is just 20 months old and I hadn't thought of her answering such a deep question in the first place. One mom said, "That I am always there." Pretty good response, I thought. Definitely better then my blank stare. Am I there for my child, really there? Is that what I want my daughter to say foremost? Over the past month, the thought has interjected into my normal, daily routine a few times. What is it that I want my daughter and the people in my life to say about me?

So here, finally, is what I hope my child concludes about me: "Aw, Mom. Yes, Christ is moving through her life."

And maybe not even that specific or profound, but just that people, whether my child, husband, dear friends or strangers, sense that something is different about me. That I love them regardless of how they may treat me, that I will listen to them regardless of what they have done, that I will care for them, regardless of how deep they are suffering, and, that in my own brokenness, the power of God surely rests on me. I may not be happy, but my joy is only in the Lord. I may not be wealthy, but I am satisfied and in awe of His provision. I may not have great rhetoric, but I consider the well being of others before I speak. I may not be healthy, but I have peace in God's plan. And I may not be perfect, but I have faith in Christ. I am disdained by the righteous, and adored by sinners, and yet I have become all things to all men. I want my life, through faith alone, to cultivate Christ.

So to pass the question on to you (it's only fair), what would you want people, specifically your children, to say about you? Feel free to comment. I'll only give you a month to respond. ;)