It is God himself who has made us what we are and given us new lives from Christ Jesus; and long ages ago he planned that we should spend these lives in helping others. Ephesians 2:10 (Living Bible)
I was talking with a client recently about legacy, and what impact he will have made in the world. His thoughts were triggered by the fact that he and his wife are childless, and that they will almost certainly not have children. He was wondering what his legacy might be in light of that fact. It is a good and thoughtful question. It is an important question that we all must face, regardless of having our children and descendants as a lasting impact of our time on earth.
We discussed many other ways to have an impact. He recounted that his own stepfather had made a lasting impact on a boy in the neighborhood who still visits the family some 30 years later. We discussed the ideas of setting up a scholarship fund, or involvement in movements and causes larger than ourselves where our impact is real in the lives of other people.
Actually, there are many ways that we can impact our world and those around us. I do think that we must be intentional about making the world right around us better. What a refreshing concept to know that we do have the ability to make our little part of the world better for us having been there, and caring enough to attempt it.
Prayer: Lord, you have given us the ability, even the mandate to positively impact our world, thank you.
Reflections of a Counselor 