As I sat quietly on the back pew of the First United Methodist church in Anniston, I witnessed something amazing. The pews were packed, people lined the walls, and even more stood outside the church waiting to pay their respects to the family of Martha Vandervoort. I would say there had to be a thousand or more people. Although Anniston lost an iconic figure and we’re saddened and will miss her deeply, I saw a celebration. People celebrated the life of this legacy. I began to wonder what will be my legacy, and even more, what are we teaching our kids about the most important things in life and leaving a legacy.
Let me say upfront, this blog isn’t saying school, homework, arts, athletics, and all the activities we’re teaching at Donoho aren’t important. They are. Our students will be prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities life sends their way. They will be critical thinkers, highly competent individuals who will succeed in however they choose to define success. However, this blog’s purpose is to try and help each of us answer the question: What will be your legacy?
Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.” There is something wonderful in connecting with others. Martha Vandervoort knew it, which was evident by the number of people that attended last night. I only met Martha a couple of times, but each time, I walked away feeling good about myself and the blessings in my life. She took the time to listen and give a portion of herself. It’s so easy to hurry through life, but there is so much to learn and enjoy when you stop and take in the stories that are shared with you.
We have to instill values and purpose of meaning in our students. We have to help them understand that character is defined by who they are when no one is watching. They must believe in something greater than themselves. “Whether they call this religion or spirituality or whatever, the sense that they are part of a greater purpose will help drive them to do what’s best in their own life. And by realizing that, they can begin to do what’s right for them and for others. And that, at the end of the day, is what legacy is all about” (Latona).
When others look back on your life, what stories will they tell? Will they celebrate as they did with Martha? What seeds do you plant in the lives of others? Reflect on the following excerpt from “Within My Power” by Forest Witcraft:
One hundred years from now
It will not matter
What kind of car I drove,
What kind of house I lived in,
How much money was in my bank account,
Nor what my clothes looked like.
But the world may be a better place because
I was important in the life of a child.
May we all work to create a legacy that is worthy and full of celebration.
Always,
James
