Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about legacy. It’s kind of a pretty word right? Sort of rolls off the tongue and inspires grand thoughts about time and powerful figures in history –Martin Luther King Jr, Abraham Lincoln, Jesus, Oprah, Bono, the list goes on. With the plethora of larger than life figures in our lives exerting however large or small influence in what we pursue and how we live, the race for meaning can seem overwhelming. I find myself depressed sometimes knowing that in a generation or two my name will more than likely fade into obscurity as opposed to Ghandi or John Lennon.
In those moments, I challenge myself to find what legacy means for ME. Who has left a lasting impact on my life and changed me to be the man I am today? Pastors? Parents? Friends? Bosses? Everybody in my life has molded me in some small way as the historical figures I’ve read about. Reading about what David did for the people of Israel in crying out for repentance and having a mind of worship is one thing, but experiencing my mom living a life of worship? Or a friend being honest and vulnerable in their struggles? Now that’s where it gets real.
The video I have attached seems to answer me. Lets make a Monument for our love. Our relationships. My name more than likely won’t be remembered by hundreds or thousands of people for some clever speech I gave or some song I wrote. And that’s okay. My monument, my legacy, is a shorter one, but one that proves more valuable and lasting to the people closest to me. That’s both a peace to be cherished and a challenge to live up to.
Psalm 112:4-6
Even in the darkness light shines on honest people. It shines on those who are kind and tender and godly. Good things will come to those who are willing to lend freely. Good things will come to those who are fair in everything they do. They will always be secure. Those who do what is right will be remembered forever.