.
This Lenten season, my church handed out small meditation cards. I didn’t expect the very first one—the card for Ash Wednesday—to stop me in my tracks so completely. It posed a simple, pointed question:
“What do you hope your legacy will be?”
It’s a question that demands a pause. Perhaps it hits harder lately because the circle of friends I’ve lost has begun to grow. At this stage—what I think of as the “final third” of my life—death feels less like a distant concept and more like a sobering, natural companion. Contemplating those who have already passed makes the question of what we leave behind feel incredibly immediate.
A Living Legacy
When I think about my own legacy, I believe it should be a positive reflection of a life well-lived. To that end, my greatest contribution is undoubtedly my two sons.
As parents, we raise our children with whatever tools we have and a great deal of prayer. In our case, the result has been a gift. They have grown into wonderful, ethical, and socially aware young men with hearts full of compassion. Despite the challenges of moving frequently for Chris’s career, they found a way to turn those transitions into strengths. I am honestly deeply grateful for their presence in this world.
Being a Light in the Corner
Beyond my family, I hope my legacy is found in the smaller, quieter ripples I leave behind:
Kindness: I hope I am remembered for my encouraging words rather than my harsh ones
Spirit: I want people to recall my smile, my laugh and my happy spirit. (And, of course, my lifelong love of all things cats!)
Faith: Most importantly, I hope I am remembered as someone who tried to live as a light in a dark world–someone whose love for Jesus shone through in the way I lived.
If you know me you know that I believe in “being the ripple” and how small actions can lead to bigger more significant experiences and results. Living daily to “be the ripple” is how I want to be remembered.
What About You?
Legacy isn’t always about grand monuments or names on buildings; sometimes it’s just about the warmth we leave in the room after we’re gone. It’s about being a “good friend” in your own small corner of the world.
As you navigate your own season of reflection, I’d love to hear from you: When you look back, what do you hope your legacy will be?
