The value of legacy – What are you working / living for?
W’Ebo’log 1 – 16/12/10
Boom – Ebo has entered the blogosphere!! I didn’t intend to start with such an emotive, deep and heavy topic, but here I am, and topic that has brought me here is this huge subject. Maybe it should be a book not a blog but I’m going to scratch the surface a little and then (hopefully) let the debate ensue…..
As a Christian, I try to read the Bible often. In my morning reading this week, I came across a passage in Ecclesiastes (Chapter 1 verses 9-11) that challenged me and my thinking, and left me wondering all day what people think. And here it is –
History merely repeats itself. It has all been done before. Nothing under the sun is truly new. Sometimes people say, “Here is something new!” But actually it is old; nothing is ever truly new. We don’t remember what happened in the past, and in future generations, no one will remember what we’re doing now.
So what are we doing here? Or maybe more importantly, what is motivating us to do what we’re doing here?
The claim that nothing will be remembered clearly has some short term exceptions, but for most of us, the product of our life’s work will be forgotten before we’re gone.
What about those targets you’re beating and the records you’re setting… are the awards and accolades the destination or the means to a greater end?
Maybe the notion of doing something new is not of interest anyway. But what about our so called legacy – the memories we leave people with, old colleagues, clients, relationships etc – surely there is something in us all that would like to be remembered fondly or in a positive way?
And maybe we don’t think of it as legacy, but along the journey of our lives, we all will have the opportunity to impact many people. How are you / going to be remembered? Is it important to you?
So what is the value of legacy?
For me the value of legacy is not defined by its longevity, only by the quality and depth of connections made. I hopefully have many years left and I am going to make it my target to encourage, help and support as many people as I can.
I’m only 29 but already there have been two people in my life that have left a legacy. The names John Cameron and Shaun Callaghan won’t mean a lot to many people, but they certainly do to me, and will be forever remembered for the knowledge imparted on me and the time taken to help me grow.
I accept that my work won’t be talked about years after I’m gone, but if I can touch one life in a positive way I will be more than happy with that.
Thoughts please.