How Will You Be Remembered?

The descendants of Zibeon were Aiah and Anah. (This is the Anah who discovered the hot springs in the wilderness while he was grazing his father’s donkeys.)

Genesis 36:24

Genesis 36 summarizes the family tree that grew from Esau. It also includes the family of Seir the Horite, who lived alongside the family of Esau in Edom. Among the descendants were two men named Anah (vv. 20, 24, 25). One of these men is identified as "the Anah who discovered hot springs in the wilderness while he was grazing his father's donkeys" (v. 24). Such a discovery would have been prized for its value to the family of Seir. Thus Anah is remembered for his discovery.

This description of Anah leads me to reflect on my own life. Years from now when I have long since passed from this earth, how will I be remembered? If people were to summarize my life in a single sentence, what would they say? Will there be anything worth saying? Will my life have made a difference.

I'm reminded of a saying I often heard while growing up:

Only one life
Twill soon be past
Only what's done for Christ
Will last

(Attributed to the early 20th century missionary, C. T. Studd)

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: If you were to die today, how would you be remembered? How would you like to be remembered?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, how will I be remembered when my mortal life is over? Will I be remembered for my faith in you? For my kindness to others? For my service to your kingdom? For my love for people in my life? In the end, what will be the contribution of my life to this world?

Help me, dear Lord, to invest my life in what really matters. May I use each moment as a chance to glorify you in all that I do. No matter how I might be remembered by others, I seek most of all to hear from you, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Amen.