Yesterday family and friends celebrated the life of Clara Euker, who went home to the Lord at age 95. Naturally, this woman who walked the earth for nearly a century left many wonderful memories.
I knew Clara primarily from church. She laughed along with my son and his puppet pal, raved about my daughter’s singing (Clara loved music!), and patted me on the back when I conducted a worship service. Praise and encouragement for an effort made—even if not a hundred percent successful—flowed from her freely.
But I consider Clara a kindred spirit because of a rather different quality. She knew what to take seriously and what not to. Her faith in the Lord was strong but not blind. She examined everything with intelligent, critical eyes and challenged whatever didn’t sit just right. The pastor, the church administrative board, even the Lord God himself did not escape her questioning. I wouldn’t be surprised to find her grilling one of the scripture writers at this very moment!
All who knew Clara Euker bear the imprint of her loving heart, truth-seeking mind, and heaven-bound soul. Looking around at the loved ones gathered for her memorial service, I could imagine her farewell words sounding much like this …
May my footprints on your heart be deep and lasting
and remembrance of my presence never fade.
May your heart be ever warmed
by the bond of love we formed
and comforted by memories we’ve made.
I’ve left my footprints on your life.
They remain, though I must go.
Look inside yourself and know,
I’ve left my footprints on your life.
May my footprints on your mind always inspire
you to search for what is right and what is true.
As you meet life’s twists and turns,
may the echo of my words
encourage you and guide you safely through.
I’ve left my footprints on your life.
They remain, though I must go.
Look inside yourself and know,
I’ve left my footprints on your life.
May my footprints on your soul lead you to heaven,
like a treasure map that I have left behind
in the hope one day you’ll be
with our Father God and me,
together once again and for all time.
I’ve left my footprints on your life.
They remain, though I must go.
Look inside yourself and know,
I’ve left my footprints on your life.
My Footprints on Your Life — Linda Bonney Olin
If you love music as much as Clara did, you might enjoy listening to the melody as you read the words. Click here.
This song is one of twenty-four in my Songs for the Lord collection. The Kindle version (which can be read on computers and other devices, not just Kindles) can be downloaded on Amazon. And it’s FREE through February 6, 2013. Clara would like that!
Love you Linda, and I’m sorry to hear of your separation from your friend. Whenever someone I care for passes, I remember Frodo, sailing to the lands across the sea, and seeing the veil lift and eternal sun and fair breezes awaiting him, while his companions see him fading into a mist, gone beyond their reach, and their world is a little darker for the loss. One day we will all go beyond the veil, and tears will be no more… until then, I am so blessed to know you and read your encouraging words. <3
Much love
-Mary
Ps even if you do call me a cheapskate… 😉
Frugality is a badge of honor where I come from, Mary! (I’m pretty sure it was a Bonney who invented copper wire, trying to stretch that penny just a little bit farther … 😀 )
Anyway, thanks for your gracious comments.
Wow, Linda. I love those lyrics and the melody. You really have a gift! I would feel so honored knowing someone was going to say this, sing this, or think these words about me after I’m gone. Very touching!
Thanks for stopping by, Michelle, and for your kind comments. Who knows? Maybe someday “My Footprints on Your Life” will be a standard farewell song at funerals. 🙂