Legacies

I recently attended a memorial service for a well-known, highly respected man. The auditorium was full of people with impressive resumes. We all gathered to celebrate the life of a man who was active in the community and state. Family, friends, co-workers, board members, and colleagues watched as pictures of his life flashed across the screen. The speakers praised the departed’s accomplishments and involvement in an attempt define his legacy. This made me wonder what my legacy will be when God calls me home.

I want to be remembered. My family and friends will know that I loved them with everything that I am. My legacy will be defined when they move forward loving each other the same way. My church will remember that I taught, learned, loved, gave, and volunteered in my feeble attempt to be more like Christ. They will strive for the that same likeness. The families that I have worked with over the years will continue to advocate for their children and other children who may need support. I want my mother’s words to slip out of the mouths of my sons just like they did mine. I want my nieces and nephews to dance in Walmart wearing cowboy boots and pink hats. Better yet, when the color pink shows up, I want people to smile and be happy.

A legacy is more than a memory. It’s a call to action. While you are here, try new things, go places that you want to go, and even places that you don’t want to go. Talk to strangers. Feed an apple to a horse. Live in a way that is righteous. Celebrate the little things. Apply the Golden Rule. People see the way you attack life in all situations. They see you. Let what they see, how they feel about it, and what they do with it, define your legacy. That’s my plan.