On the bookshelf of many a reader and romantic sit the novels of Jane Austen, celebrated British author. She died in 1817 at age 41 after facing months of ill health with remarkable faith and optimism. Her grave lies beneath the worn stone floor of the massive medieval cathedral in Winchester, England. Carved in stone is a tribute to this accomplished writer who devoted her life to much more than writing. The words read:
“In Memory of Jane Austen. . . .
She departed this Life . . .after a long illness
supported with the patience and the hopes of a Christian.
The benevolence of her heart, the sweetness of her temper,
and the extraordinary endowments of her mind
obtained the regard of all who knew her,
and the warmest love of her intimate connections."
Jane Austen’s gift for writing made her famous, but her family remembered her simpler gifts—her friendship, her personal strength, her goodness and kindness. Other graves lie nearby, with tributes telling of one person’s accomplishment in battle and another’s great contributions to society. But Jane Austen’s uses words like benevolence, sweetness, and warmest love to memorialize a woman who nurtured those close to her, prized their contributions, and was a trusted and treasured friend.
What will be said of us? Will our legacy too be measured in the simple gifts of the heart? Will such qualities as charity, tenderness, and endurance be found in our hearts and someday carved in stone? We write our own memorials with our lives. Each new day is a new opportunity to choose what our legacy will be.
Program #4021