The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here. ~ Psalm 103:16
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about life and how quickly time passes by.
Then again, it’s that time of year when I miss my dear mother more than usual. She passed away almost sixteen years ago, but every April my thoughts are bountifully on her. Since we shared an April birthday, I find myself more reflective of her every mid April.
More specifically, however, I’ve been thinking about how people will remember me after I leave this earth.
Do you wonder what legacy you will leave behind?
We all want to be remembered fondly for our contribution to this world. Our hope is to leave a lasting legacy. For this to happen, we must have a positive influence on those around us.
Are you living in such a way that people will remember your legacy?
This is a question that most of us ought to reflect on more.
God has given each one of us one life to live. The reality is, we will all leave this world one day, leaving only memories behind for those that knew us. If you have children, they will carry your legacy in their hearts forever and pass them on to your grandchildren.
At times, it’s hard to believe it’s been almost sixteen years since we lost my precious mother to a bone marrow cancer called Multiple myeloma. She was only 65 years old.
I have the most affectionate memories of my mother. She was one of the most caring, loving, and forgiving human beings I have ever known. I will never forget what one woman, who I had never met before, said to me at my mother’s funeral. She said, “I only knew your mother for a few hours when I, and a mutual friend, went to her house to have a cup of tea.” She continued, “your mother changed my life in those two hours, because she helped me process some unforgiveness that I was carrying in my heart.”
If we can change someone’s life in a matter of two hours, imagine what can be done in the span of a lifetime.
I too have many memories of how my mother modeled grace for me. She handed down this legacy to all those who knew her. Many years after her death, I passed on my mother’s lineage when I too had to forgive others for hurting me deeply.
How about you? What will people remember you for?
Below are some things to reflect on as you ponder the type of legacy you will leave behind. Get out a piece of paper and be ready to write down your answers.
1. What would your friends and family say about you?
How would the people that know you best describe you? Ask 5 people for one word to describe you, and write it down (tell them to be honest!).
2. What is on your mind throughout the day?
What do you find yourself thinking about the most? Are your thoughts eternal or do they focus on things of this world?
3. What do you normally do first thing in the morning, and last thing at night?
What motivates you to get out of bed in the morning? How are you spending your free time at night? Are you reading sports and news or are you reading God’s Word? Keep a journal by your bed and keep track of these activities for the next week.
4. Take a look at your social media posts
Your Facebook and Twitter posts will say a lot about what you value. What do you write about mostly? Write down the topic of your last 5 entries.
5. Take a look at your checkbook
Where you spend your money will speak volumes about what’s important to you. Who are your last few payments made to? Write your last 5 payments down.
After answering these 5 questions honestly, you ought to be able to have some idea of what kind of legacy you will be leaving behind. As for me, I hope to share the legacy of grace and kindness that my mother left behind, but I’m also adding Jesus Christ to my future lineage. The brokenness I felt after my mother’s death led me to Jesus’s doorstep and through Him, I have found new strength and hope. It is a great honor to be the first Christian in my family heritage.
[This is my mother and me on our last birthday celebration together]
I encourage you to use this exercise as a time of inner reflection. Are you happy with your life right now? Can you improve in certain areas? If you’re not content with how you’re living, there’s good news; It’s never too late to become the person you desire to be. Start today, and be determined to finish your life strong.
Be intentional about how you live today so that you will be remembered affectionately forever after you have left this earth.
God help you to be all that you were created to be. Be the best you. Start right now.
“You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others.“~ 2 Timothy 2:2
