Legacy

I recently attended a memorial service for my son-in law’s father. I did not know him well, having only seen him on special occasions at family gatherings, but after hearing what others said about him, I learned that even though I never really got to know the true man, I became impressed by his legacy. While he had his problems and shortcomings (who doesn’t?), a time of remembrance sets aside those things and focuses on identifying and claiming the good and positive. It is these things that inform and form a legacy.

The dictionary defines legacy as “a gift -- anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor.” One’s legacy is usually not something tangible, nor written by the person, but is formed by the positive contributions made in life’s journey.

As we go about our daily tasks of living we seldom think about our legacy or what it will be. But the reality is that we are building our legacy by the way we live each day. “Legacy” answers the question, “How will I be remembered?”

The song, Legacy, by Nichole Nordeman was inspired when she was asked how she wanted to be remembered. It asks some important questions, and is food for thought as we consider the legacy we are forming. Here are the lyrics of this thought-provoking song:

"I want to leave a legacy. How will they remember me? Did I choose to love?
Did I point to you enough to make a mark on things? I want to leave an offering, A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically, And leave that kind of legacy."

"I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me; and I enjoy an accolade like the rest.You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery of all the who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best, at such 'n such...it wouldn't matter much."

"I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights; we all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl' But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides the temporary trappings of this world."

"I don't have to look too far or too long awhile, to make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy. It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon destroy."

"Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred; just want to hear instead, 'Well done' good and faithful one."

People will not always remember what you say, but they will remember how you treated them. Your legacy most likely will not be what you wrote or said, but how you lived. Perhaps the best legacy of all can be expressed in three simple words: S/he lived love!