What legacy will you leave?

Life has a funny way of showing us what’s truly important, revealing to us some lessons along the way. When I was a child, I saw my dad as a great provider for his family and he was very involved in the church. He did seem less engaged with us and more at the task at hand. It wasn’t until I had my kids that I saw him become more relaxed. He was an amazing grandpa! He loved each one of his grandchildren. He always took time with each one of them in their favorite activity. Fishing with grandpa has to be my kids' favorite memory of him. Unfortunately, Alzheimer’s sat in, and we slowly lost him. At his funeral, my husband spoke about my father’s legacy. How he left a part of himself in each one of his four children. Today, I look for ways to continue his legacy, always sharing my love with others, and being more intentional with my words. I too want my life to be impactful and maybe my legacy will one day shine through my children.

We are only given one chance, one life, to make a big impact on people. We can choose to be either; self-absorbed, bitter, or timid, or we can choose to be impactful. Many people will try to influence us and lead us down a negative path but ultimately the choice is ours. We need to examine ourselves and ask, how do I want to be remembered? When I die will they even mourn me? Was my life impactful or meaningless?

Let’s go to God’s word

In 1 & 2 Samuel and part of 1 Kings we learn about David. We are told he was a man after God’s own heart. Through David's life, we see his strengths and weaknesses. When he was strong in his faith, he praised the Lord and when he was weak, he asked for God’s forgiveness. God knew that the world tempted David’s heart, but God still saw him as faithful despite his negative actions.

This should give us hope. Even though we are sinners, we should strive to live a godly life. God looks at our heart too. He sees the love we have for him despite the negative things we might do. When we fall into temptation, we must see it as wrong and ask for God’s forgiveness. Being more like David and being one of God’s faithful followers.

Take 15 minutes

I encourage you to read your Bible. Read a chapter a day or whatever you can do in 15 minutes. Then apply what you learned to your life. Example Creation- We read the story and it seems so simple. He created it and it was. But when we dig deeper, we see how everything connects. How God was so detailed and so complex that only He could have made it. It’s amazing to look at nature and see that everything in it has a purpose so this world can continue.

Reminders

• Don’t boss - Lead/Support others

• Never be ashamed- God made you to be you

• Don’t knock people down - build them up

• Work for a cause - Not an applause

• See life’s rewards - Bless others

“Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feeling after an experience with you becomes your trademark.”

• Jay Danzie