Don't you sometimes wonder about the stories and happenings that lie within the shadows of old buildings?  If remaining rafters and beams could speak, they would share with us so much about history!  Like us, they grow old and eventually silent, leaving only a hinting patchwork of the life that had taken place under their roofs.  Eventually dust turns back to dust and for the continuing generations, much can simply disappear. 

It is always refreshing to meet someone familiar with an existing structure who can repeat the stories that came to life inside.  They often offer colorful memories and bring it back to life so to speak.  They can help those who were not there to almost imagine another time and even consider humanity so as to use it's examples or not repeat its mistakes. 

I have thought plenty about my own life and "structure" - especially after having lived for more than half a century!  My own children have become adults and now we are watching our new grand baby grow and discover the world!  I think about what will remain once my structure begins to deteriorate and eventually becomes a memory!  Am I living in such a way that I can leave lasting lessons or a legacy that is eternal?  What are the stories others might tell of me?  Will they be encouraging ones that bring smiles and challenge to the faces of those who listen?  Will my children and grandson have life-changing stories to tell as they remember treasures I shared with them? 

Of course we all bear the marks and scars of mistakes and even failure in our attempts at life.  However, those must not stop us from continuing to share the threads of love with those who we influence.  Let us cultivate forgiveness and mercy; compassion and grace for as long as we have our being.  May the legacy we pass to those we love, look similar to the one that was left to us after having endured a cruel cross in exchange for our eternal redemption!  What Jesus left became yet a new building - the church - His family.   His story continues to bring hope and promise and will one day become a resurrecting reality for those who have chosen to tell it and carry His legacy! 

I want to tell His story!  Though the world grew silent when He was laid in the tomb, all heaven and earth was forever affected when He rose from the dead!  And that marvelous story is yet to see a finale that will usher the faithful into an eternity that will never deteriorate!  If His legacy becomes my offering and song, then my structure is not what is important, but rather that which will echo even when my outer walls grow silent!  May His story live as it reaches through me to bring life and light to those who follow!