LEAVING A LEGACY

What is a legacy? Is it that which people remember you by? Is a legacy the accomplishments achieved during life on earth? Is it a belief system left to live on through children? Perhaps a legacy consists of a statement or statements through a person's life. It is of course memories; memories of an individual. A legacy seems to suggest purpose...in the case of human life, the purpose of existence. Maybe a legacy is the purpose of one's existence that is left behind for others to follow, imitate, and regard as a model for their own lives. every minute of every day, every activity, every thought, every act that is committed purposefully falls into the purpose of a legacy desired to be left behind. A legacy seems to be wrapped up in who a person is more than what they do, yet what they do is born out of who they are; thus the tapestry of one's life is woven.

MY OWN DESIRED LEGACY
I want to make a difference in people's lives. Through time and energy I would like people to remember me for the investment I made in them. Meeting needs, encouragement, positive reinforcement, spiritual guidance, helping people become who they can be in hopes that they will turn around, out of appreciation and make an investment in the lives of someone else.

Never wasting a moment, making the most of every opportunity, taking advantage of the opportunities given, and being ready and willing to take risks. Life is too short. However, I find that there are circumstances that tend to be prohibiting factors preventing this part of my desired legacy to be fulfilled to its fullest.

Determination and perseverance with grace and love are a combination I would hope others could see in me. never giving up, always completing what I begin no matter the cost, doing everything with intense fervor getting the most out of all I do. Once committed, there is no turning back.

The love of nature in all seasons and in all weather. Listening to the birds or a coyote howl. Hearing the wind rustle the leaves of the trees. Allowing a rushing river or a bubbling crred to wash all the cares of the world away. Taking comfort in a sunrise or sunset. Being awed at the numbers of stars or vast galaxies. Watching fish jump in a lake or seeing the beauty of an elk, deer, or mountain goat. Feeling the rain as it hits my face. Being warmed by the sun on a hot summer day. Oh, the joy and love for nature.

Books take you any where, stir up emotions and cause intellectual juices to flow. Reading is a legacy, a memory I hope to leave for others to follow. Whether it is passed on as others catch me with a book in my hand, or listen while I read aloud. I dearly hope my love for books will be high on the chart of my legacy.

Travel to all sorts of places opens the mind, enhances the learning and knowledge of the world and people God created. Whether through books, media, or actual traveling, I want to pass my love on to those who come after me, pass it on to anyone who will partake for the benefit of their whole being. I want to enjoy the adventure with anyone who dares to share in this joy.

Beauty is the essence of life. Something as simple as a bouquet of flowers sitting on the table. A field of wild flowers brilliant in the spring. A tree bear, only its branches contrasting against a blue sky. A painting; a candle lit dinner; a fresh dress for summer; curtains adorning the windows or a bedspread characterizing the owner of the room; furniture set just right inviting conversation; decorations at holidays; or a tea party set with lace and dainty dishes enjoyed by young girls. Beauty, created by God is a thing to enjoy, imitate, and initiate.

Music enlightens, spurs creativity, brings us in time with the rhythm of our lives. We were meant for movement...to dance, to sway like a tree in the wind. Our hearts have a rhythm that sustains life. Our body cycles work to a rhythm and pattern. Music is an extension of who mankind was created to be, in reality an extension of God Himself. A vast expanse of emotions find themselves in music, expressing the internal and the eternal. We were not meant to live stagnant lives, unemotional and somber. Life is meant to be a roller coaster ride, some more exciting than for others, but we were created to experience the highs of joy and exaltation as well as the lows of grief and sorrow. Perhaps in the original Garden of Eden life would be one continual high, yet in this fallen world we would not be complete unless we allow ourselves the benefit of both highs and lows. I want to ride the roller coaster, ride taking in all the emotions life presents me to experience; most of the time best expressed through music.

Whether I leave behind a legacy lived throughout my children, or a story for others to remember, I can only hope that the colors and pattern of my life will weave an unforgettable tapestry.