Most people my age have wills. There are many reasons to have this document, even if you aren’t worth a fortune. The smallest amounts of cash, a house, cars: people go crazy over these things. The more concise you have made your wishes, the easier it will be for those left behind to sort through the aftermath. I want you to take this line of thought just a few steps further. When your time comes to leave this earth, what will you be leaving behind? Not your “things”, but the parts of you that will continue to live on in the memories of those you love. The elements of yourself that very few see: your mannerisms, your kind heart, your smile. What will be remembered? Everything you own on this earth will eventually become worthless just as surely as our own bones will one day turn to dust. The houses in which we dwell will be torn down, the cars we take pride in will rust, and the jewelry purchased for a youthful finger so many decades ago will fade - but your spirit? - that is eternal. The sweet little-things you did for those you cared about and the laugh that is as individual as a fingerprint: these are the things that will live-on in the hearts of those you influenced. It is a tale as old as time: the death bed confessions about how little ones work meant in comparison to happiness and the ones who loved them. It has been written about for centuries by writers far more talented than I, and they are right, every last one of them. The semantics may be different, but the lesson is timelessly universal. It is free of language, color, and religion. It is all heart. Love is the same all over the world. We must remember that this is all that matters; not the big promotion you got at work, not the the car you’ve always dreamed of or the house at the top of the hill. Sure, these things are nice, but they can never give you what love and self-worth can. They just aren’t the most important parts of our lives. If you are young, your will and legacy are not on the horizons of your journey. As parents, we are happy that it’s this way. However, I urge you to start giving your life meaning now. It’s never too late to become someone that you’re proud of, we are never done bettering ourselves. Be the person that will be remembered for all they accomplished, for how loving they were. For my boys: I hope you remember my laugh, the ferocity of my love, and that I would die for you. I hope I have taught you to have a good work ethic, to be kind, honest, and a good husband. Always be true to yourselves. Above all? Let love be your guide in everything. You may not understand the wisdom of that now, but one day you will. That, my loves, is what I hope to leave behind. I know you will make me proud. I love you. What do you hope to leave behind? Tell me about it in the comments section below. Have a great week. Let’s talk again tomorrow, I’ll bring the coffee. -Ruth
Posted on: Tue, 20 Jan 2015 23:25:45 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015