Life Purpose

Back in the 80's there was a popular bumper sticker that said:  "The one who dies with the most toys wins".   Today, many people live by that motto.  People are living in 5 bedroom houses (families of 4) they can't afford, going on exotic vacations, driving luxury cars and earning just enough to pay for it all. 

Living paycheck to paycheck has become the American way.  The notion of having the bigger, better, and more abundant is what people are making their top priority, but what is happening as a result?  Are people happier because of all their "toys"?

It seems , when you ask anyone , "How have you been?", the answer is "Busy" or "Working".   Is that what we are really called to live for?

Don't misunderstand, hard work is what the American Dream is founded upon and it's a core value that suits all of us well.  Is it the most important value though?    What about integrity, sacrifice, love of God, family and country?

I believe that we are so swept up in the race to "win" the most toys that we put other things on the back burner - the most important things.

Lately in my reflections, I have been coming back to the word Legacy.   Some may remember the Animal House movie where Flounder was a legacy in the fraternity.  That means that someone came before him and paved the way. 

We shouldn't be the people that rely on what someone else did to get us where we want to go, but rather be that example. Be the person who came first, paved the way and taught the next person the skills and tools they need to be successful. Have the sense of purpose to leave a legacy for the next generation.

I am not here to tell you what your life purpose is, that you have to find for yourself.  That is deep within and only through the proper reflection, (perhaps prayer if you are so inclined) and listening, you can find your legacy.

Some examples might be teaching your child the skills they need to be a productive member of society.  Teach them to think critically and stand on their own two feet, how to be self sufficient.

You might volunteer at a local organization or travel internationally to share your faith, your values, a smile and a sense of caring with others that need it.   By doing that, others may be motivated to share as well. Sharing makes the human condition that much better as each person shares with another and sharing becomes contagious.

Recently I listened to a pastor on TV  (I wish I could remember his name)  who spoke about this very topic.  A legacy is spending time with your loved ones, showing them what it is like to be a responsible parent, brother, sister etc.  He also said it is not showing off the great things you have, worrying about what your neighbor thinks or going out and doing the wrong thing with the wrong people.  All of that provides an example to your loved ones as well; a bad example.

Legacy is sharing what you know and it is also financial.  This pastor spoke about the idea of saving for future generations.  Yes, we can put our $5 in the collection basket, or donate $10 to the latest cause, but is that sufficient?   He indicated that $100 a month might work, or perhaps $50.  Put this in an account before you have a family; save.  Teach your children that they too should grow this account for the next generation, and the next and the next. You can leave a financial legacy as well as skills for saving.  Use only some of the interest on the account as you watch it grow and grow.

Perhaps you want to set up a scholarhip to honor your beloved, or set one up as part of your estate to benefit the education of future generations who migh otherwise miss out on opportunity.

What are you doing so that someone remembers you?  What are you doing so that you are making a difference in another life?

We all know who George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ghandi, and Martin Luther King are.  They were amazing people that made a dramatic impact.   Maybe you can have that impact, or maybe you be like R.E. Miller (do an internet search) who provided a scholarship that I received when attending college.  There are countless people who make a smaller impact, but one that is just as significant to a smaller group or to one person.

Ask yourself "What is my legacy?"   If you don't have one, get one.  It's something we all should have. To paraphrase/change a popular quote:  Legacy; Don't leave earth without one.