Category: leave a good legacy

Noticed

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Do you ever wonder if anyone notices you and the work you do?

I was part of a Fall Festival with games and food for families on Saturday. Many volunteers and staff worked hard. We were proud of our service and everyone enjoyed the event.

The next day, after church, someone gave me a note. It said, “… your behind the scenes works are such a great part … I just wanted to let you know how much you are appreciated.”

During my normal work I am noticed and encouraged. My tank is usually full. It is a great workplace.

Yet, we all wonder… does anyone know what I do? The note. It felt good and now sits on my home desk. It’s just a reminder… we are noticed.

You may not receive a note, but you are noticed.

You are leaving a legacy … leave a good legacy.

PS. Write someone a note … it may be the only encouragement they receive.

Don’t Compare Run Your Race

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Comparison is dangerous.

Last weekend I went to a triathlon event with multiple races. I watched. Some took all day and others were less than an hour.

As participants finished a short race I noticed … tall, short, stout, skinny, young, old, moms and dads, some striving hard and others just surviving. A few had artificial limbs, most didn’t know anybody except for a friend or family member.

They just ran their race and they finished. Each one had their reason for running. If they had tried to copy someone else they would have been miserable and failed.

With over 500 participants I’m sure a few were disappointed in their outcome, but most have started telling the story of a completed race.

I can image the Monday morning stories of big waves and oppressive heat and the challenges they faced … but they lived to tell the story.

Leave a good legacy … run your race.

Roll Uphill

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My friend had a Honda QA50 mini- bike. It was cool. I had a mini-bike, but it was an off brand … cheaper bike. I was thankful for it, though our neighbors were not.

His bike was faster on a flat surface and going downhill. He always beat me in a race … except when we raced uphill.

I don’t know why my bike went faster uphill than downhill, but it doesn’t matter. It seems like it’s a metaphor for my life. Persevere and keeping moving forward when life is uphill.

Roll Uphill

Leave a good legacy

Say Something

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Many people are hesitant about speaking up and saying what they really think. If you are introverted and shy your default is to not speak up. There are many fears behind this, but ultimately you don’t want a negative reaction.

Yesterday, I spoke up two times. I had been thinking through strategies and solutions for each situation and the opportunity to say something unexpectedly presented itself ….. and I spoke up.

Both were well received and I acknowledge God’s timing, but a significant part was an ongoing preparation and pursuing of an outcome. I was confident in the process regardless of the response.

Be prepared about what is important to you …. And then respond when the timing seems right. Regardless of the outcome, keep moving forward.

Leave a good legacy.

Thankful

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It is easy to find fault in others. There is a side of my family that is predisposed to being critical and judgmental. I can easily think and respond in those ways.

When I give the effort to be thankful … I am less critical. When I am thankful there is no room for judgment.

The older I get, the more I realize I only understood a part of the circumstances of my early years. My mom was a single parent from my mid teens. About 5 years ago the weight of her being single hit me. In all of my youthful gripes I had never realized how she provided a stable foundation for me to thrive.

In remembrance of my mom’s entrance into God’s presence, I am thankful.

I am thankful for the stable foundation my mom gave me to stand on … and so are her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Leave a stable foundation for the next generation.

Leave a good legacy.

One Decision

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In 1958 my parents moved to Atlanta to pursue a dream. My dad was given an opportunity to advance his career. They moved away from family and friends for something that they thought was better.

Their decision to pursue something new gave me a path to run on that previously did not exist … and it has made all the difference.

A decision you make today can change the course of a generation. Leave a good legacy.

Make it Special

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Your kids and grandkids will remember the “special” preparation to make something fun.

You can make things special, and it doesn’t cost much. My wife is the best.

Our table for a lunch yesterday had clippings from purple, red and golden bougainvilleas. It was beautiful.

Our grandkids loved a home made pistachio cake. They still talk about a scavenger hunt around our home just taking pictures with a phone.

The kids love looking at themselves in new photos printed monthly (just a few) on a bulletin board around my desk.

Simple, intention “things”, that little eyes remember. I hope for a lifetime.

Make it special and be present to enjoy it with them.

It is your legacy. Leave a good one.