Legacy

I am in one of those contemplative moods lately (it may have something to do with turning 30...) and have been thinking a lot about legacy. What will I leave behind when I go one day?

legacy: anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor or predecessor (www.dictionary.com)

I was thinking about what people leave behind. For me, my mom left an amazing legacy of strength, kindness, loyalty, thoughtfulness, godliness...the list could go on and on. But what about the situations no legacy was passed down or the one that was left is not good? Does that mean that it is hopeless? Should a person give up on living (or not) living up to a legacy? What if they are left with an incredible legacy and yet they fail to carry it on. Is all hope lost?

It reminded me of a song by Nichole Nordeman called "Legacy"

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthly list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read,
Not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

I hope, like my mom, I can leave a legacy for my children. If nothing else, I want to point to Him.

What legacy will you leave behind?