The writing prompt was “Legacy.” Here are my thoughts. What are yours?
Legacy
On the last Sunday in October this year, while visiting family in Fairfax, Virginia, I attended the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fairfax. I was impressed by the passionate sermon on “Legacy” by the Rev. David Miller, which prompted me to reflect on my own legacy. What are those qualities within me that I can attribute to my own family and ancestors, and those that I have gained on my own over the past 75 years of my life, that I wish to pass on to my offspring and others in the future? What do I want to be remembered for? I began making a list of ideas, recounting my own life and listening to other sermons, virtually, at that same Unitarian church (UUCF.org).
Here are some of my thoughts:
Gratitude – I’ve written about this numerous times. Being thankful for those things and people who treat you with respect, trust, and honor. Being grateful for those who make it possible for you to live the life you wish to lead and for those who keep us safe and free to be who we are.
Inspiration – For those who inspire us and the things we learn that help us to go beyond.
Remembrance – Not forgetting the ones that got us to be who and where we are today. Don’t live in the past, but don’t forget it either.
Self-Expectations – Being willing to create goals to move forward and not stagnate in thought. Be open to growth and positive change.
Our Values – Our beliefs in how we and the world should be – one of peace, brotherhood, empathy, respect, and the willingness to work together in harmony.
We should care for more than just people. We should care for the world in which we exist, which includes the earth, the air, the water, the animals (maybe not mosquitoes), the plants, you get the idea.
Love – The love of oneself and others. Relinquishing hate to improve rather than destroy what we have. Being a person with empathy and compassion for others. Showing a willingness to share.
We are one. We are all human regardless of gender, race, religion, or the color of our skin. So let’s be that.
To be a caring, productive, and compassionate person is who I want to be and what I want for future generations.
You cannot do this on your own. You must work together with others to be the people we should all be. It requires cooperation, collaboration, the ability to distinguish between real facts and opinions based on hearsay, and the ability to listen to each other, not just hear words being spoken.
The question I ask myself as I write this is: Am I that person I just described? For if I am not modeling what I am teaching, I am teaching something else.
I hope I am. I’m certainly not perfect. Throughout my life, even now, I falter with some of those traits. I think we all do. But the hope is that we keep reminding each other of those things I profess. Help guide each of us to become the individual we are meant to be. For that is the legacy I want to pass on.
