Legacy

There were flies, dead ones, all around him. But he didn’t move. He just sat there and if left alone would have starved. The frog relied on movement to catch his prey. If it didn’t move, it wasn’t dinner.

Are we like that frog? Are we surrounded with blessings all around us but don’t see them?

It is easy for me to get wrapped up in worrying about what sort of legacy I will leave when I’m gone. I guess this is especially punctuated by the possibly of a shorter life than planned. What sort of lasting difference can I make in the world?

I search for meaning, blind to what’s standing all around me.

My children are adults now, raising their own children, my grandchildren. My legacy flows through them to their children and long after I’m gone it will continue on to newer generations, not just from genetics, but more importantly from the lessons my wife and I passed on.

This is not to say I was a perfect father. I wasn’t. I’d like to go back and fix all sorts of mistakes. So, yes, I do have regrets, but they are far outweighed by the pleasures of raising my children. Despite my screw ups, I hope they see some good examples they can pass down to their own children.

As I see it, a man should strive to make a difference in this world, but he should never miss the difference he has already made.

Our most important legacy is our contribution to the souls around us. You can write fine novels, make inspiring movies, preach mighty sermons, become the President of the United States, but if you haven’t done something to help others, you haven’t accomplished anything.

The most important goal a parent can have is to leave his child a little step up. Not in money or possessions, but a bit more confident, loving, and caring.

Your legacy? You already have it. It is all around you.