Karla’s Korner: Life and Legacies

Life and Legacies

Author and missionary Steve Saint one wrote “Your story is the greatest legacy that you will leave to your friends. It’s the longest lasting legacy you will leave to your heirs.” and famed poet and avid gardener Ray Bradbury wrote “Everyone must leave something behind when he dies….it doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away”.

In the past two weeks the world, lost two great men; one was 24 the other 84. The legacies each leave behind are unique to themselves and their family and friends but equal in relevance and significance. Reading through countless social media posts and tributes to each man it is evident that each left a big, significant impact on their world. With sixty years difference in their age it becomes evident that it’s truly not the number of years we spend on this earth rather what we do with those years.

At 24 Ryan lived a full life, packing in meaning and memories each step of the way. Listening to stories of his quiet faithful service to those he lived with, loved deeply and compassionately cared for I found myself wishing I had known him better than I did. He lived his life with purpose not boasting about what he did rather in humility and grace. Whether he was visiting folks in the hospital, going on mission trips, spending time with family and friends, pulling pranks, sharing serious conversations or working with young children he did it faithfully, honestly and full of joy. Ryan’s legacy of selflessness, compassion and love for others and his God is a gift to be treasured; he leaves behind a beautiful legacy.

At 84 Robert known as Dizzy lived a long fulfilling life. Having spent 56 years with his sweet wife Carole, they raised seven children, enjoyed sixteen grandchildren and an innumerable amount of extended family and friends. While he enjoyed the finer things in life including the Kentucky Derby, good bourbon or a round of golf, he also enjoyed simple things that made life sweet. Gathered around the family dinner table everyone felt welcomed, appreciated and relevant. One son shared with me once that his dad never met a stranger and that he appreciated everybody from the waitress at the diner, to the young man who delivered their groceries to the CEO or owner of a big company everyone mattered to him and everyone felt special in his presence. Scrolling through social media posts folks remembered Dizzy with words such as kind, gracious, a mainstay, fun, a gentleman, and so much more. He cared about people and took the time to show it through his actions. The legacy he leaves behind is one that will shine on through his wife, children, grandchildren and those who called him friend; everyone mattered to him and everyone knew it.

In 2002 contemporary Christian music artist Mark Schultz released “Time That’s Left”, a beautiful song that poses the question “what will you do with the time that’s left, will you live it all with no regret, will they say that you loved till your final breath?” This song reminds us that living life with purpose, without regrets is important. A dear friend recently shared with me that “Life is about people”, a simple thought that reminds us that life isn’t meant to be lived alone rather in community with others doing for others, living, loving and being there for others. The life we live now is the legacy we will leave behind.

Life is short, to the point that we must realize that tomorrow is not promised. All we have is the moment we are in right now. Learning to live in each moment we are given fully and with meaning and purpose and for others is essential not only to the present but for leaving behind a legacy filled with meaning and purpose and an example for others to follow. Every once in a while my wise friend reminds me that “it’s not always about me” rather it’s what I am doing for others that makes a difference. In realizing that when I do for others I am blessed in the process. What is it that you do for others? Do others feel welcome and relevant in your presence? Do others feel that they belong, are needed and wanted in your presence? I encourage you to look inward, at your soul and make the commitment to live the kind of life that when it’s over here on earth you will leave a trail behind you, a legacy that remains and reminds others of your good works and deeds. Leave your mark now while you can. What will you do with the time that’s left?

Peace,
Karla

I think we all need a touch point a place we can go to be inspired. Karla is my children’s teacher, a good friend, and a person with a heart of gold. I hope that her words will inspire you to do more. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. It is important to listen with your heart and proceed with your eyes open. Enjoy!

Read more Karla’s Korner, also please visit Karla’s Lifetime Moms page and read her articles.

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