Legacy — What Do You Want to be Remembered For?
At age 24, the term “legacy” struck me as a word on a sign in front of an old folks home. Fast forward thirty years, now at age 54, not so much. I think a lot more about legacy these days. Unless there is some medical breakthrough, face it, my life is over half over!
Now don’t get me wrong or think I’ve gone all melancholy on you. Legacy doesn’t cause me to fear as much as it causes me to focus. What do I want to be remembered for?
In reality, our daily decisions and actions write our legacy, like it or not. However it does seem that opportunities are afforded us to make larger entries into this book of legacy. Some we plan, others “take us” on the road of life.
One year ago, Memorial Day 2014 was one such opportunity. Our entire family loaded onto a jet airplane and made a 
pilgrimage to the Holy Land. This trip was two years in the making in my mind and one year in the details. I asked all my family if they would make the time in their calendars for an 11-day trip, If yes, then Papa Jim & Mimi would make it an all expense paid trip for them. The total price came to roughly $45,000. No small amount on a minister and school teacher’s salary HOWEVER it was worth every penny!
So, what does $45,000 buy you these days? A few more square feet of house? A pool in the backyard? A shinier automobile? A boat? — To go all Pauline on you, “wood, hay, and stubble”! In my experience this “stuff”, and I’ve had some of it, just becomes something else that requires your time and maintenance. At the end of the day, and life, this “stuff” means very little.
Legacy is what I had in mind as our family experienced together the birthplace of our faith and our Savior Jesus. Crossing the Sea of Galilee, together. Walking the city streets of Jerusalem, together. Standing on the Mount of Olives, together. Reflecting on the Mount of Beatitudes, together. Praying on the Golan Heights as we watched Sy
rian rockets take human life, together. Loving Jesus and each other as we shared communion at our Lord’s empty tomb, yes all together.
I have a grateful heart this Memorial Day 2015 as I reflect on our legacy making pilgrimage.! I pray that God will continue to show me ways in which I can make a legacy, whether
through daily decisions and actions, or other opportunities he places before me.
Be blessed as you consider how God may want you to consider your legacy.
Be blessed,
Jim
