I received an out-of-office email reply that really stuck with me. Here is an excerpt from it:
Thank you for your email.
I’m currently on a Daddy Daughter Date of a Lifetime with my 9-year-old, complete with daily tea parties, walks in the park, and memories made for a lifetime. For these precious few days ahead, she will have my full attention.
His time was to be focused 100 percent on her. He committed to being disconnected from work and any other distractions that were presently part of his life. He made leaving a meaningful legacy his #1 priority that week!
As leaders – whether we are a supervisor, parent, mentor, teacher, or in any other role – it’s important to live according to what we want our legacy to be. Whether you realize it or not, someone is always watching you to see how you react to a situation, how you treat others, how you treat yourself, and who you are watching for those cues.
Someone is always watching you
Consider Abraham, who probably left one of the greatest legacies of all time. Out of his covenant blessing from God came a name change, a child at almost 100 years old, a kingdom of offspring, and leaders of many nations. His covenant with God was passed down through every generation (Genesis 17). Of him, the author of Hebrews writes, “And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore." (Hebrews 11:12)
What about passing a legacy today?
With technology offering us all the gadgets that keep us socially connected 24/7 through Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, and more, we have become a society that is detached from relationships. It is so important, as a leader, that we set the right example of relationship building. Our legacy is passed through these relationships.
At our house, during dinner, we have a “no technology at the table” agreement. Sometimes it is hard to start a conversation. So many times it starts with, “Did you see that post on Facebook about…..? Let me show it….oh wait, I don’t have my phone.” As Gen X parents of Millennials, we are definitely on different levels with methods of communication. We take every opportunity we can as parents to share things we have learned through growing up “in the olden days.”
What are some things we can do to make sure our legacy is worth passing?
- Decide what you want your legacy to be, and then go for it! Maybe you want to show the world that life is full of fun. If that’s the case, then you need to make sure you incorporate fun in as much of your life as you can.
- Share your experiences with your legacy group. This group could be some younger co-workers, a group at church, or your children and grandchildren. Storytelling is a great way to share your values and experiences in any environment.
- Live life with no regrets. Follow your instincts. Make your life a story worth telling!
Make your life a story worth telling!
Here are some inspirational quotes to encourage your journey:
“Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” -Robert Louis Stevenson
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children.” Proverbs 13:22 (NKJV)
“Today I shall behave, as if this is the day I will be remembered.” – Dr. Seuss
“If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more, then, you are an excellent leader.” -Dolly Parton
By Kim Rider
