Estes Echo
Legacy
Last summer I experienced one of the most challenging events in my life thus far – my grandfather passed away. My grandfather and I were very close, you might even call us best friends. I have learned more from my grandfather than any other individual that I have had the honor of knowing. My grandfather taught me how to be a virtuous soul, how to discharge a weapon, and how to deal with the thought that one day I might be bald. As I have contemplated his passing one thing keeps jumping to the forefront of my mind – legacy. What do I want my story to be when I am gone? How do I want people to remember me? Paul says in 2 Timothy Chapter 4 verse 7, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
I have not always exhibited the best qualities of a man, teacher, husband, friend, or Christian; but there is no doubting that I have tried and learned from my blunders. After considering my grandfather’s life, and contemplating my own, I have arrived at the conclusion that I want my legacy to be alike to the thought the Apostle Paul brings out in 2 Timothy. Those of you who are acquainted with me personally know that I am obsessive compulsive, and I will always endeavor for perfection; but there is something to say for making mistakes. I want the experience of fighting the good fight, I want to finish the race and know that I have kept the faith through adversity. Perfection in my opinion is kind of dull, and I trust that is why God only made one perfect individual.
“Everyone must leave something behind when he dies . . . Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die . . . It doesn’t matter what you do, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that’s like you after you take your hands away.” — Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451.
When we think about the quote above, reflect on Jesus. No other person has ever left a legacy quite like Jesus of Nazareth. Jesus was born a King, from humble beginnings, yet changed the world in such a profound way. Jesus touched the world in a manner that now we, as his followers, strive to emulate him daily. I am comforted in the knowledge of my lack of perfection that in Matthew 20:28 Jesus tells us, “behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” We always have relief on our expedition of life.
The question or challenge that I leave you with is: What is your legacy; or what would your legacy be today?
–Steven Marise
