2024_09_02 Insight Post- Kim Feld
This week’s reading- Acts 9:36-43
I don’t know how in the world Labor Day came so quickly, but I hope you are enjoying the day! Summer seemed to fly by even quicker than usual this year. Although I’m sad summer is over, I am happy to be heading into my favorite time of the year (fall) and all things pumpkin!
Have you ever wondered what people will say about you after you’re gone? By “gone,” I don’t necessarily mean death. It could be after you’ve moved or left a job. Do you wonder how you will be remembered?
As I read the story of Dorcas, I was touched by Luke’s words in writing about her. Let’s take a look:
36 In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor (Acts 9:36, NIV).
In this story, Dorcas became very sick and died. Peter was nearby and was called to come to the Christ-followers who were there in mourning. The text says that the widows showed Peter all the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made for them while she was alive. This is a tangible example of what Luke said in verse 36 – she was always doing good and helping the poor.
The story has a happy ending, but I want to focus on how Dorcas was described. The overarching things that were remembered about her were her kind deeds. These weren’t things that she did once, and someone remembered; this kindness was a lifestyle that touched others around her. I love that.
Maybe it’s because I realize I have fewer years ahead of me than behind, but I find myself thinking about what will be said of my life. I don’t feel like I’m being morbid, but this thinking has caused me to consider how I leave conversations with others. Jon and I rarely go our separate ways in the morning without saying “I love you” to each other. I always say “I love you” to my parents at the end of our conversations. And Jon and I always end our conversations with our son, Noah, with “I love you.” I don’t want those closest to me to ever doubt how I feel.
What do you think will be said about you after you’re gone? None of us know what tomorrow brings – we just have today. Make the most of it by living a life of kindness, generosity, and love.
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach