What Shall I Leave Behind?

What shall I leave behind
When my life on this earth ceases?
How will I be remembered,
When death my soul releases?
It will not be my appearance,
For physical grace and beauty!

Nor will it be my housekeeping,
Or faithfulness to duty!
It will not be for genius,
Or talent beyond compare!
But when my place is empty,
What memories will linger there?

I hope they'll not remember
A word or look unkind,
An attitude too critical -
I would rather leave behind
A host of little kindly things,
A lot of love to share;

A warm heart full of sympathy
Another's load to bear.
But most of all, dear Father,
May they clearly see
A reflection of the Saviour
Who lived inside of me.

Honoria A. Groves