Jimbo's Jots

I was recently introduced to a show called After Life. The premise is the main character, played by Ricky Gervais, is trying to figure out life after his wife’s death. She was his life – hence, after life.

I saw a clip in which he is sitting at the cemetery talking with another widow. She tells him:

“Happiness is amazing! It’s so amazing that it doesn’t matter if it’s yours or not . . . A society grows great when old men plant trees the shade of which they know they will never sit in.”

Think about that for a moment. We talk a lot about being happy in this life. But the message she tells us is that we will be happy when we share – plant a tree. Because the trees we plant now will provide shade to those who come after us. Now, you can go out and plant a real tree.

But we’re talking about legacy. What is it you want to be known for? How do you want to be remembered? One of my facebook friends just celebrated a birthday. He’s someone who’s had a tremendous influence on the lives of young people for a number of years because his service as a weekly manager at Michigan Christian Youth Camp. Many teens and adults have been led deeper in a Godly walk because of the commitment of this man.

There is a story in Mark’s gospel in which a woman comes into a dinner uninvited and unannounced. She starts to wash with her tears, pours perfume on his feet and wiped the feet with her tears. Coming to her defense, Jesus said this about the woman, “Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” (Mark 14:9, NIV)

She planted a tree! Jesus acknowledged her act of gratitude. And Jesus said that when we hear the gospel story, we remember what she did.

So let’s plant some trees! Let’s figure out ways to serve God, serve others and leave a legacy of thankfulness, mercy and grace.

Be blessed as you plant! Be a blessing to others in her planting!!