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WHAT’S GOING TO OUTLAST YOU? When you’re dead and gone, what do you want people to
remember about you? What would you
prefer to be said at your funeral? This
column is about something that will last longer on earth, than you will – any
guesses? I’m referring to your legacy. What did you receive
from your parents, grandparents & others? My Mom was affectionate but balanced that love with
discipline. She helped us with our
Bible lessons & memory verses, & took us to church and Sunday School.
My Dad provided for us & kept things running.
I learned gentleness, sincerity, initiative, the Bible, & friendships
from Mom. I learned steady work,
honesty, & to provide for one’s family from my Dad.
I learned about family, responsibilities, and roots from both my parents.
I learned kindness, faith, & humility from a classmate &
middle-school teacher. In my mind,
those lessons are as important as the old family antiques and pictures I
inherited from my parents & grandparents. Can you list what you learned from your parents,
grandparents & others? Why not
start it today? Who or what are you
investing your time, energy & resources into? For most of us, it’s a combination of work/career/business,
family, friendships, faith, andhobbies or interests. Are these activities on your calendar related to the legacy
you received from your elders? Are
you investing your time, energy & resources into the young generation? Then ask yourself: What
am I hoping to pass on to our children & the younger generation?
Personally, I hope to pass on our faith & trust in God, work ethic,
honesty, family & heritage, and a good education.
Others may wish to add a house, family business, a financial inheritance,
or specific things. In one place I served, I knew a retiree in his 70s, George
Halma. George was on the city
council, volunteered at the local community center, church, and Kiwanis Club.
In another place, I had the priviledge of knowing Harry McFall, Old Harry
as many called him (in contrast to his son Harry & grandson Harry).
Harry had served on the local school board, church, and was beloved by
many. As you may have noticed,
I’m partial to people who volunteer their time, talents & energy for their
community. Consider: What are you hoping to pass on to your children,
grandchildren, & the younger generation?
Are you passing on the lessons you learned from your elders?
If you work with children in your job or as a volunteer, you have an
opportunity to influence them too. The greatest legacy
ever is that of Jesus Christ.
Jesus lived a perfect life, died on a cross, and was raised on the 3rd
day. Knowing Jesus Christ is the
most important thing. Are you
helping the younger generation to know Jesus Christ? After you die, how do you want to be remembered?
Your legacy will last longer than you do.
What’s your legacy? Remembering my ancestors & the legacy of Christ, |