Once upon a time…. let me tell you a story… these are opening lines that grab our attention. Why? Because we connect to stories. Yet, with all the love we have for them, somehow we don’t value our own and most of us don’t bother to write our story down.
I remember when my mom and dad passed on, we dug through their papers, searched their Bibles and journals looking for any thoughts, wishes, and wisdom that they might have left behind. We longed for one last connection and their writings were all we had left to satisfy those longings.
Today, besides the traditional method of pen and ink, we have modern technologies – computers, iPads, blog posts, podcasts, and a myriad of ways that we can leave a legacy for the next generation. If you’re interested in leaving your legacy for future generations, here’s a few ideas to get you started:
1. Establish your beginning. Start by writing down your background starting with your birth and childhood. There’s no one else in the world with the same parents and unique story.
2. Write down 5 to 10 significant events or milestones. Choose things that made a difference in you life or changed your direction. Don’t forget to put in those embarrassing moments, because they make you human. Also include people who were significant influencers in your life.
3. Finally, choose 5 to 10 lessons or tips you wish you’d learned from your past. Insights you’d pass on or teach to someone about your business, artistic talent, work, and life. Psalm 78 2- 8 reminds us, “For I will speak to you in a parable (story). I will teach you hidden lessons from our past – stories we have heard and known, stories our ancestors handed down to us. We will hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His might wonders. For He issued His laws to Jacob; He gave His instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, so the next generation might know them – even the children not yet born – and they in turn will teach their own children. So each generation should set it’s hope anew on God, not forgetting His glorious miracles and obeying His commands. Then they will not be like their ancestors – stubborn, rebellious, and unfaithful, refusing to give their hearts to God.”
Your journey matters. The wisdom and faith in God that you leave could potentially be a catalyst for someone in the future and change a life for eternity. It’s time to take a stand, leave your thoughts – your voice, and leave a written legacy.
What are you waiting for?
