A  heart of pink roses stood beside the grave of my mother-in-law. On that cool, windy February day we paid our last respects before the coffin was lowered.

Jim and I had already said our good-byes to Mom weeks earlier, but the graveside brought closure to her earthly life. Her legacy might be summarized as Joy in Jesus. Over the years many, including myself, were influenced by her godly example.

Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, forsake me not; until I have showed thy strength unto this generation, and thy power to every one that is to come. (Psalm 71:18)

One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. (Psalm 145:4)

Not everyone lives to be old and gray-headed, but every one of us will leave this world one day. The older I get, the more days I have to account for how I have used my time, talents, and possessions.

What will I leave behind? Stuff for loved ones to sort through? I hope they don’t keep “things” just because they were special to me. Certainly photographs and written family histories are important to pass down to future generations.

In light of eternity, my greatest desire is for the ones left here to know Jesus as their Savior and Lord. I am a sinner saved by grace. The Lord is the strength of my life. He is faithful and true. His word never fails. Trust and not be afraid. These and many other truths are embedded even in the fiction stories I write because I want others to know that God’s word is the Word of Life. The grass withers, the flower fades (the beautiful heart of roses has already withered), but the Word of our God stands forever. (Isaiah 40:8)

Jim was reciting Mom’s favorite verse as she passed away. I like to think they would be her last words to us. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. (Isaiah 12:2)

If pink roses symbolize gratitude, then to me the heart of pink roses represents gratitude for a blessed life on earth and the promise of eternal life with our Lord.