Legacy

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.

While scrolling Reddit, a question popped up that asked what song people would want to have played at their funeral. Mine is, “Legacy” by Nichole Nordeman. I even had the words painted on the wall in my kitchen, before we moved to our current home.

It goes back to the main focus of my life being my children. Not in a helicopter parent, hovering maniac, type of way. But as someone who takes the job seriously, trying to raise up good human beings. Trying to be a good roll model. Trying to focus on things that actually matter. Not GPA, not perfectionism. Just doing their best and being their best. Teaching them to pay attention to who they are and what their dreams may be. Encouraging them to follow their own path, even if they need to blaze the trail in order to get anywhere. In fact, it’s better that way.

I think a lot about the fact that I am nobody important. I do not put out flashy content or have millions of followers. But at the end of the day, I know I have done what I need to do. I have encouraged and lifted up and motivated those closest to me. I help them see how amazing they are, or cry with them in the hard times. It’s a roller coaster of emotions, but that is what life is. And that’s ok. It’s ok to be upset. It’s ok to be sad. Every moment doesn’t feel like a celebration. But if we wait it out, life does eventually swing upwards. And I’m there to celebrate that as well.

I hope I’ve taught my kids that you don’t have to be perfect. Just be real, available and present. That’s the legacy I want to leave. I pray I have done that.