I recently attended my godmother’s homegoing service in the city where I grew up. My godmother, also known to many of us as Tauntie lived a full and well-lived life for 104 years. It was not until I was sitting in the church where I grew up and listening to all the beautiful things people shared about her life, as well as looking around at familiar faces, that I understood the impact she had on my life as well as the lives of so many for generations. When all was said and done, she lived her life boldly for Christ, and she was a beacon of light for those who often may have lost their way along their journey. What better epitaph could one have for one's life?
Growing up and listening to friends talk about their lives and the people in them, one day I realized that my brother and I did not have godparents. At first, I did not understand the meaning or importance of having such because I grew up with a loving grandmother and a large extended family. When I realized the role godparents play in the life of a child or young person in helping with their upbringing, especially in a religious context, I went on a hunt to figure out who would be the best godparents for both me and my younger brother. Although we were older when we received our godparents (we were not babies), we were blessed that they were godly people who sowed great values into our lives. When I look back, I wish I had taken a little more time to sit at Tauntie’s feet to absorb more of her wisdom and grace.
When someone has lived a long and well-lived life and the time comes when they go to meet their maker, although it may be difficult to say goodbye, we should not be sad because they have run their race and completed their course. They leave not only a positive legacy but a road map for others to follow. The definition of living a well-lived life can vary from person to person, but the consensus is that you have lived your life with purpose and on purpose with healthy and loving relationships with friends and family. It is also important to be true to yourself and others and stay true to your core values. Hopefully, in living a well-lived life, you find joy in day-to-day living and are grateful for the little things. Ultimately, experiencing peace and harmony with yourself and others on what you did during your lifetime is what matters.
As we journey into this new year, we can start anew and make the decision that we are going to live a well-lived life and make our lives count for something. Be determined to make 2025 the year you find out what that something is for you. Pledge to be your very best and work at it daily, and before you know it, you will have lived a life where others will see you as a guide in a time when there are so many people living lives without focus or purpose. There are plenty of examples we can look to without losing who we are at our core. There is nothing wrong with looking to someone else as an example that can provide you with a roadmap to get you where you want to go to keep you on course.
I love the quote by Natalie Babbitt, “Do not be afraid of death; be afraid of an unlived life. You do not have to live forever; you just have to live.” Make sure you have lived your life to the best of your ability, staying true to what you believe is your meaning, message, and mission, and then you will have lived a well-lived life. Thank you, Tauntie, for being one of the examples that has helped shape my journey and how I try to live my life daily in service to others.
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Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
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