This past weekend we had the opportunity to attend the funeral service for Liisa’s grandma. We gathered with family to remember and celebrate her 93 years of life on this earth. Reminiscent stories, beautiful songs, and photos of the past filled our eyes and ears in memory of a full life lived.

It always amazes me how decades of life are reduced to one sheet of paper. Every sentence caries the weight of years as milestones and major events are outlined in paragraph form. The obituary ends with listing out those who have been left behind—her family and legacy. Seventeen great grandchildren got to see the testimony of the life of one person who they all knew in common.

But why? Why does such a life matter? It was evident from Pat’s life that she loved God and loved people. She realized that there is more to life than living in the moment. She lived for her God; she lived for her family. She was your everyday Christian making Jesus real to those who looked up to her. Such people are the real heroes. There was not a single event, action, or creed that gave her hero status—it was a lifetime lived to the glory of God.

Who is your hero?

When your life is over and you stand before your Maker, what will be said of you?