Legacy

When I first thought of the importance of legacy, I sort of dismissed it as pompous.  But the more that I think about it, the more important that I consider it.

Considering the impact of my existence, legacy is the key!  If I live and die and do great things, but leave none of who I am invested in others... then really, what have I accomplished? 

Some people seem to leave their 'legacy' mark on large numbers of people (ie Billy Graham or George Washington or CS Lewis or Jane Austin or Isaac Newton...) Others seem to leave their life contributions on a small intimate group; close friends, family, children...

I'd like to think that I somehow could impact anyone who I encounter (some people do), but I don't believe that He has equipped me in this way.  So, for me I need to concentrate on investing me into those who I am in intimate relationships with.

I am who I am because of who God has made me and how I have been shaped by those who I have lived life with (which I would also put in the 'who God has made me' category).  I am my own person, but I do feel like a mixed drink - meaning if my mom were a red drink, I'd have a significant portion of that poured into my glass and if my dad were blue, I'd be tinted in that shade.  And I would have differing amounts of liquids poured into my cup by different people that have shared/impacted my life.

There is an amazing feeling of strength and hope that I feel as I consider those who have become part of who I am.  Those whose kind words soothed my soul and molded me.  Whose loving touch secured me.  Whose encouraging challenge thrust me forward.  Whose enduring patience continues to awaken perseverance in me even as I remember.  Whose wild laughter sparked hope.  Whose smile generated peace.  Strength upon strength comes to me as a result of those before me.

There is something precious in this; precious and powerful!

I can remember feeling so sad when my grandmother died, sad for my kids that they would never get to benefit from her loving kindness.  She was such a beautiful, loving person who left her mark on all who she touched.  As I was lamenting for my children, I felt the Lord speak into my ear, "They will not miss out because you have in you part of her and can be to your children what she was to you."

That's legacy.

Part of my life purpose is to live, engage, and invest in my children my legacy.  Right now it is a HUGE part of my life purpose because of what season I am in.  I want to give parts of myself to them to build and strengthen them and provide generational 'roots.'  Roots that are pillars of the encompassing positive attributes of all who have been poured into me.

I know that when you pour colored liquids together, they typically mix into some murky grey or brown.  I like to think of my 'life glass' of mixed legacies as a beautiful, multi-colored, brilliant, crazy, fantastic, varied, bold 'drink' that did not become dull and murky but somehow maintained each separate color while becoming one.

Yes, I am seeking.  Seeking to leave a legacy.

As I consider who I am and the failings that I possess, this task is daunting and I can easily give way to condemnation, yet I cling to the secure hope that He will not fail.