I have pondered this quote for a while now, turning it over in my mind, debating whether or not I believe in the wisdom of these words.  Some parts of it are easy to understand and others more difficult.  As with any quote, it can be interpreted in many ways, depending on life’s circumstances.  In my life now, reading this quote makes me think of my mother and her final days, leading me to wonder if I have lived a life that is full of purpose and meaning.  Would I be satisfied with what I had accomplished in this life if I were to die tomorrow?  Perhaps this quote helps to answer this question.

How much you loved… I believe that in the end, how much you loved is the most important thing.  I hope that in my time here on earth, I am able to show the people I love how very important they are to me.  I also try to ensure that the way I live my life is a testament to the love I feel for my God.  For we are called to love others and love our God above all else.

How gently you lived… As an extension of this love, I hope that I approach this life with gentleness and kindness towards others.  My goal in life is to leave this world a little better than I found it. 

How gracefully you let go of things not meant for you… Perhaps most of all, I want to live each day of my life with gratitude, appreciating my life for all that it is, rather than pining for something that it is not.  I hope that I am able to let go of what I do not have, whether it is material things or ideas of what my life “should” look like, and instead embrace the life that I do have wholeheartedly.  I want to live my life with love and joy and gratitude for the life that God has given me.

In the End
By Krista Longeway

As I now ponder the life that I’ve lived
Each word said and each thing that I have done
I think about what is most important
And try to find the meaning in each one

When I consider what matters the most
And all that I have to offer the world
As I ponder what is my life’s purpose
The mystery of life slowly comes unfurled

There’s nothing in life more significant
Than the act of loving those around you
By giving up all of yourself in this way
You’re living a life that is good and true

There is nothing in life more beautiful 
Than living a life that’s gentle and kind
That strives to put others before yourself
Truly no greater purpose will you find

There is nothing in life that is wiser 
Than to live life with gratitude and joy
Letting go of what is not meant for you
And thanking God for the life you enjoy