Category: Parenting

Daily Remember What’s Important To You

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Information overload is a common danger most of us face today. I recently had a conversation with a long-time friend about how much things have changed since our school days. We went to school before computers and the internet—back when typing involved using White-Out (look it up!).

In those days, we had to search hard for information. We relied on libraries, the radio, or actually going to hear someone speak—that is, if you could even find out where they were appearing. While I don’t miss the difficulties of those days, I now have to be highly intentional about controlling the flood of information coming my way. If I don’t, I will forget the few things that are truly important to me.

Here is the simple way I protect my focus and remember what matters: I review the same document every morning.

This document contains my deepest thoughts and the core concepts I want to live by. While the specific words and focuses sometimes change, these notes serve as constant reminders of my identity, my values, and my purpose. One of my favorite sayings in it is: “My life has authority from the autonomous monotony of the daily disciplines of life.”

There is immense power in the daily ordinary. This simple morning habit keeps me grounded. Every single day, I am reminded of who I am, what I believe, and what I am pursuing.

Your legacy is built daily.

It is your legacy. Leave a good one.

The Power of Words: Leaving a Lasting Legacy

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Words hold lasting power and influence.

I have old family photos, World War II pictures, and many stories shared over the years about my dad. Yet, the stories written down by others provide the most lasting memories of the short years I spent with him.

The month my dad died, his company printed a story in their monthly newsletter. The article described his daily struggle with cancer. It noted how he still worked a full day and served civic and charitable causes. When someone asked him why he kept so busy, he said, “Helping others keeps me alive.”

His life and legacy of service have become my story and my legacy—simply because they were written down.

I have forgotten most of the spoken words about my dad. But at least once a year, I look at that folded newsletter in my sock drawer. It reminds me of his life of service.

What will your kids and grandkids pull out of their sock drawer one day to read about your life when you are gone?

Write it down

Leave A Good Legacy

A Legacy of Pancakes

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Playing, joking and doing stupid tricks are all part of leaving a legacy.

Do you have fun with your kids or grandkids? Regardless of who you are or where you are from, your kids will remember the crazy things you do together. Smiling, laughing and sometimes breaking things create stories that will be told at dinner tables for years.

My wife and I will have some of the grandkids over tonight. Their only request is to make pancakes and flip them over our shoulders to a plate 10 feet away. Last time it was pure craziest. They talked about it for weeks.

If we keep this up, this will be part our our legacy. – Moma and Papa know how to have fun.

It is your legacy. Have some fun!

Mug or Cup?

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Do you want a cup or a mug?

That was the question I often heard when ‘company’ came to our home. That’s another name for friends or family. When company came over the carpet was vacuumed with those triangle designs and coffee was made.

We just put out our Christmas mugs, but I like to reach in the back of the cabinet for a cup. I think they hold the heat better, but there may be another reason I like them.

This morning I used the first cup of the season. As I held it for one last sip, there was no coffee left, but there were the few drops swishing around the bottom. That’s when I thought of my mom.

Growing up, every time I saw a coffee cup it had those few drops at the bottom and there was red lipstick slightly smeared on the edge of the cup. Mom’s trademark.

Your kids or grandkids know your habits and the marks you leave. Make good marks. Have good habits. Tell good stories. Do new things. Still pursue dreams.

You are leaving a legacy a few drops at a time.

Celebrate

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Everyone likes to be fussed over. Everyone likes to be celebrated.

We have a family milestone today and three generations will gather to celebrate. We are making this a big deal.

The event and celebration will not cost anything, except for a quick meal afterwards. But the biggest cost will be our presence and enthusiastic cheering. Each of our family sees this as a priority.

Our family tries to celebrate the “wins” and milestones of each other.

Leaving our legacy one celebration at a time.

Renew a Relationship

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It is never too late to renew a relationship with your parents.

You will have to take the initiative. Tell a fond memory, ask for forgiveness, tell them you forgive them, but most of all make the effort to connect.

Telling a story will carry the truth, especially the hard truth, that you want to say.

Holding a clinched fist, and the tension it brings, will begin to be released when you make the effort to connect.

Free yourself and tell a new story.

Leaving a legacy for the next generation.

Two Packs

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How do you help others know the healthy changes that your parents have made over the years?

I was visiting some relatives and asked them what they remembered about my mom. They remembered that she smoked two packs of cigarettes a day. I informed them that my mom had given up smoking 35 years ago and that her lungs were clear.

Here’s the point. Unless I told a new story, they would still think she was an active smoker. I had to take the initiative in telling a new story about my mom. Her legacy included making changes in her life for the good.

Helping our parents leave their legacy one story at a time.

One Blade of Grass at a Time

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Azaleas and dogwoods graced the landscape of my childhood homes. In the spring time the colors were breathtaking.

One of my regular chores as a teenager was weeding the flower beds. I learned how to get the roots out and always felt pride when the job was done.

When I became a homeowner I tried to keep up the tradition. And …like my mom … I have made our kids take their turn with the lawnmower and edger.

When one of my sons moved into his first home, one of the first things he bought was a lawnmower. “Dad, I just love the smell of fresh cut grass.”

Leaving a legacy for the next generation … one blade of grass at a time.

Conversations

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More people are posting pictures of family and friends at Thanksgiving than their food. Why?

… Because our friends and family matter more than the same food everybody else is eating (in the USA) for the day.

The best part of the day for me is the conversations that happen after the meal. Words matter, especially over pecan and buttermilk pie.

Family stories leaving a legacy.

The Dinner Game

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Don’t assume your children can read your mind. Tell them what you think, believe and value.

If you are in a relationship you have played the dinner guessing game. You know these lines: “Where do you want to go to dinner? “I don’t care, you decide.” “Let’s go Italian.” “No, I don’t want to go there.” “Well, where would you like to go?” “It doesn’t matter, you decide.” And around and around we go.

Have a conversation. Don’t play the guessing game. No one can read your mind.

Leave your legacy.