What Kind of Legacy am I Leaving Behind?

Sometimes my mind makes strange connections. Today was one of those days. I was invited to attend a party and asked to bring two items wrapped in newspaper for a gift exchange. One of the items I picked to give away was a book about legacy. As I wrapped the book, I thought about the kind of legacy I want to leave my children.

Nothing strange about that thought. Fast forward to later in the day when I was working with a group of volunteers cleaning up garbage along a local road. As I picked up scrunched up beer cans, cigarette butts, and disintegrating plastic bags, I began to think about the people who left the items behind. Did they even think about who might happen upon the garbage they were tossing? Would they still throw it on the ground if they knew others would find out about it?

Somehow as I walked along the ditch the two ideas merged: garbage and legacy. They are both things people leave behind. One has a distinctly negative connotation while the other could be either negative or positive, depending on what kind of legacy is left.

As I’ve pondered what kind of legacy I want to leave for my children, here is my list:

• A sense of wonder and curiosity
• Discernment and wisdom
• Healthy self-esteem
• A solid spiritual foundation
• Genuine love and concern for others
• A basic understanding of their strengths and interests
• The knowledge they are loved and accepted for who they are