Friday, December 29, 2006

Leave a Legacy

Most of us want to leave a legacy. Some are most interested in rearing children with good characters and a successful family. Others build a business and make lots of money. Some seem to have a drive to be "SOMEBODY" no matter what the cost.

These may be worthwhile ventures but they don't seem to me to be enough to live for and especially to die for. I love my kids and grand kids and think they are great. I am proud of them but know in my heart of hearts that their lives are really theirs and not mine. I cannot take credit for their successes.

The money drive leaves us unfulfilled and shallow in the end. Just look at Marley and Scrooge as well as the many who have lived only for another dollar but died in misery and loneliness. Howard Hughes comes to mind.

It happens that a lot of people who were driven by one of the above legacies for many years actually changed in mid-life and decided to live for other reasons. Their children were already out and on their own, money no longer drove them and they saw all of fame they needed or ever wanted. They no longer lusted to be like Britney Spears or Paris Hilton.

These people want to be Significant not just Successful. They are looking to release their God-given gifts and resources for others. They engage in service projects and give their money to charities. I am seeing a lot of Boomers who have decided they do not want to spoil their kids by leaving them too much wealth and are giving instead to groups that "Heal the sick and raise those that are spiritually dead."

I hope you have a plan for your legacy. One that will last long after your life is over and your name is forgotten. One that God will remember.

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