Brian Wood's legacy and how it affects me.
Many of you have probably heard about the amazing, heroic last minute actions of Brian Wood to sacrifice his life for his wife and unborn child. If you haven't, you can read the story here.
Whenever someone dies, it automatically forces each of us to put their own lives in perspective. Were I in this situation, would I have the last minute reaction to save my wife and my children? I don't doubt what I would want to do, but would I do it?
This tragedy is a reminder for us all (or, at least for me) that even at a young age we are all responsible for building our own legacy. The tragic loss of Brian's life makes me ask myself what mine will be.
When my father died, my mother was mixed on having a memorial service, but we did at my urging. The church we/he attended could seat at least 500. We didn't know what would happen or who would show up, but it was an important piece of the closure process for us.
It was packed.
After the 5 or so rows of family and close friends were row upon row of teary eyed Boy Scouts. Some adult leaders, some troop leaders, many, many scouts from all over the area.
After the service, countless men (and a few women), young and old, came to me and told me about the affect my father had on their life. Some were small, and some profound. My father's lasting legacy was the life and time he gave to the BSA.
In the wake of this, again, I consider my legacy. Will whatever church be packed when I'm laid to rest? I don't care about fame, but will I have given of myself enough to profoundly affect the lives of those around me such that they would want to honor my memory?
The point of this post is two fold. In an interview with NBC (seriously, if you're prone to sympathetic tears, do not watch this) Elin, his widow, gave this one piece of advice to all of us.
Hug your family. Love them, and don't take them for granted. Hug them and hold them close to you.
The second point of this post is this.
Consider your legacy. I ask you, now. What will your legacy be? Will people honor you and remember you when you're gone? Will people think well of you and fondly recall your name?
If so, excel still more. Not for the fame, or the pride, or even to advance that legacy specifically, but consider those around you and the effect upon their lives that will be far greater than the remembrance of that impact.
If not, change. We are but finite creatures, blessed if we surpass seventy five years on this ancient, spinning rock. The world was here before we were, and will be here when we are gone. Your deeds can outlive your body. Your character can surpass your life expectancy.
Your legacy can last forever.
Whenever someone dies, it automatically forces each of us to put their own lives in perspective. Were I in this situation, would I have the last minute reaction to save my wife and my children? I don't doubt what I would want to do, but would I do it?
This tragedy is a reminder for us all (or, at least for me) that even at a young age we are all responsible for building our own legacy. The tragic loss of Brian's life makes me ask myself what mine will be.
When my father died, my mother was mixed on having a memorial service, but we did at my urging. The church we/he attended could seat at least 500. We didn't know what would happen or who would show up, but it was an important piece of the closure process for us.
It was packed.
After the 5 or so rows of family and close friends were row upon row of teary eyed Boy Scouts. Some adult leaders, some troop leaders, many, many scouts from all over the area.
After the service, countless men (and a few women), young and old, came to me and told me about the affect my father had on their life. Some were small, and some profound. My father's lasting legacy was the life and time he gave to the BSA.
In the wake of this, again, I consider my legacy. Will whatever church be packed when I'm laid to rest? I don't care about fame, but will I have given of myself enough to profoundly affect the lives of those around me such that they would want to honor my memory?
The point of this post is two fold. In an interview with NBC (seriously, if you're prone to sympathetic tears, do not watch this) Elin, his widow, gave this one piece of advice to all of us.
Hug your family. Love them, and don't take them for granted. Hug them and hold them close to you.
The second point of this post is this.
Consider your legacy. I ask you, now. What will your legacy be? Will people honor you and remember you when you're gone? Will people think well of you and fondly recall your name?
If so, excel still more. Not for the fame, or the pride, or even to advance that legacy specifically, but consider those around you and the effect upon their lives that will be far greater than the remembrance of that impact.
If not, change. We are but finite creatures, blessed if we surpass seventy five years on this ancient, spinning rock. The world was here before we were, and will be here when we are gone. Your deeds can outlive your body. Your character can surpass your life expectancy.
Your legacy can last forever.