by Sally Clarkson
Historically, a good queen brought about a life-giving influence as she considered herself a steward, responsible for the long-term prosperity and flourishing of those who were within her realm. Her significant role affected the legacy of her life, the story she would live, the heritage she would leave. It also influenced the legacy of her family, community, and world in the rare times a queen gave herself to the full task of all that had been entrusted to her. Being a steward over human beings can have great impact over generations if the faithfulness and generosity of the queen is purposefully focused and lived out over a lifetime.
I deeply love being a matriarch—a woman learning to live into my capacity, slowly becoming confident of the powerful influence I could wield in the places I live and in the lives of my people. My influence would come through serving them in love, cultivating goodness, nurturing their spirits, and passing on hard-earned lessons. I found that by giving my life, laying it down, so to speak, others could draw life and encouragement from me. This role became the most profound and fulfilling endeavor of my life.
Unexpectedly, serendipitously, the opportunity to spend months at a time in Oxford came to me in my late 60s. Oxford became a place I would sort of “sabbatical” for some months over a few years to be near my grandchildren, to celebrate life with my own children, to reflect on life, to explore the stories of others in days gone by, to store wisdom in my soul and enjoy my people. After 50 years of working hard and long through ministry, my husband said, “You need some months of escape where you can ponder life, enjoy your grandchildren, and breathe a bit.” Wanting to share from the stunning adventures I had, the interesting places I grew to love as I walked the cobbled streets and pondered life over long cups of tea, I decided to place Well Lived into the context of times I spent in what became my beloved Oxford.
Learning and understanding that every woman has potential to embrace her own story, to become “queen” over her own domain, to work hard to leave a legacy of wisdom, love, gratitude, and grace emerged as a message while I walked through parks and meadows and wrote in my journal. Women, I believe, are amazing creatures and have the ability to civilize the world, to influence generations by generously pouring out love, training the very character and souls of the next generation and persevering through great trials and challenges while coming out resiliently.
I began to picture my own heart, soul, and mind as a treasure chest where I stored up wisdom, insight, and perspective through all the twists and turns of my life. And from this treasure chest, I would draw insight and instruction for others if it might help encourage them along their way. And others would draw from me what I had stored in my treasure chest of life. Eventually I pictured my children’s hearts as treasure chests in which to deposit wisdom and truth.
Living into my role as queen, guardian, protector, lover, and provider for those in my own realm, I sought to actively pursue opportunities where I might bring hope into discouragement, faith into doubt, love where there are broken or lonely hearts. Understanding that life is filled with tragedy in a fallen, broken world has prepared me to have compassion for others and a capacity to companion those who are grieving or struggling. I consider it a privilege. I have longed for sympathy and comfort in my own life, and I hoped to give some small bit to others.
Sally Clarkson is a bestselling author of 30 books, renowned speaker, and beloved mentor who has dedicated her life to inspiring countless women to live fully in love with Christ. Her podcast, At Home with Sally, has over 26 million downloads. She has been married to her husband, Clay, for more than 40 years. They have raised four children, who are their best friends. Today, Sally lives between the mountains of Colorado and the rolling fields of England. You can connect with her at SallyClarkson.com.
Comments