Bill posed a question in response to a message about the precursor to a plan, and what to do. He suggested that I really have a solidly, concentrated version of what this life is all about – about reaching more, doing more, being more than we are likely to become through the river of life that we are on. He suggested that I take some time to distill what is is that I want to be remembered for, so what better way to do that than blogging to myself!?
What do I want to be remembered for?
God – I want to be remembered as a Godly man who knew his faith well and lived it daily. I have no desired to be the next Billy Graham, but perhaps a Pat Shier. Pat lives his own life, and lives it in such a way that it enables others to see the example and relationship that he has personally with Christ. Through that example, ministry is made to the hearts of others.
Family – I want to be remembered as a devoted family man. I want my wife to know that she is the most important thing in my world outside of my relationship with my creator, and I want to continue flirting into my old age. I want to be the couple who still holds hands during movies, if not more! I want to allow my commitment to my family to be an anchor to hold onto during rough times, and as an example to my children of how to stay with things even when the growing gets tough.
Friend – I want to be remembered by my undying loyalty. As a man who would give the shirt of his back to another in need, but that in many cases, he gave people (more significantly) a hand up, rather than a hand out. I want to be a man who is looked to for encouragement and vision casting. I want to be thanked for my commitment to accuracy and emotional stability.
Community – I want to be remembered as a man who made a difference in the lives of others. I want to give incessantly to the communities that I live in to bless the lives of those who do, or may, come to live in those areas. I want to be remembered as a man who was willing to do what people just sat back and discussed. I want to be content in my last days knowing the countless selfless and anonymous acts that had brought joy into another’s life in an empowering way.
Social situations – I want to be remembered for my improvement of the condition of parents in the nation. I want to be remembered for my contributions of time, money and energy to children. I want to be remembered as a man who kept in mind that we all were kids one day past, and that only the options ahead and the decisions made shaped who we became. I want to be a man remembered for helping others to make sound decisions and to construct options to allow people to achieve on their own.