A Lasting Legacy

How do you approach life? Do you simply move about aimlessly without a plan on the hope that fortune will find you? Or, are you a planner, chained to your schedule without a moment to spare? 
 
How do you spend your free time?  Do you surround yourself with those who can elevate you to the next level?  Are you out moving from one great activity to the next?  Where does your deepest passion lie? Whose hearts do you impress yourself upon?
 
With the recent deaths this past Friday of two great Civil Rights Leaders, Rev. C.T. Vivian and Congressman John Lewis I have found myself being very reflective. Asking the age old question, “what really matters”, “what is this life really about” “How do I want to be remembered” “How will I be remembered” But most importantly, am I living a life that is worthy to be remembered
 
What about you?  You see we all, even without, effort leave a legacy behind. The question is what type of legacy will you leave?
 
I know you may say in today’s society, you don’t have time to worry about a legacy; you need to make sure today is taken care of.  I can appreciate this, but my question to you is what about those you interact with on a daily basis, your family, the people you may lead (at work, at church, your kids sporting teams) and those you pass along the way.
 
I would like to touch upon three areas where we have the opportunity to leave a lasting impression and that’s (1) Family, (2) Work and (3) Mentoring
 
Family - ~Proverbs 13:22 says…A good person leaves behind an inheritance for their children’s children.

• How will your family remember you?
• Will they be thankful for the wealth and possessions you leave behind?
• Will they recall the fond memories of the times you shared?
• When your children’s children speak of you what will be said?

 
Work - ~Daniel 12:3 reads…Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like stars for ever and ever.

• How is your leadership?
• Not necessarily at work, but in your extracurricular activities, it could be leading your child’s sporting team, or teaching in your local children’s ministry. 
• What legacy will your leadership leave behind?

 
Mentoring - ~ Titus 2:3-5… Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good.  Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.

• Do you have someone in your life that you are helping to guide?  Someone outside of your immediate family?
• The scriptures say the older women should teach the younger women.
• What impact is your life having on the youth you encounter?
• It doesn’t have to be a formal mentoring program, but what about those you pass along the way?
• What examples can they take from your life that will enhance their own?
  
  

There is a quote by Tavis Smiley from the book, The Other Wes Moore: One Name, Two Fates that reads “The choices we make about the lives we live determine the kinds of legacies we leave.”

I encourage you this week to be mindful of how you spend your time, the lives you impact and the legacy you are forming!

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