By Nat Crawford
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines the word “legacy”
as “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or
from the past.”
I would define a legacy as a lasting memory
which impacts a person or persons today.
To leave a positive legacy, you must live with the end in mind. Far too
often people lose sight of the end and trip up. This is a shame because what
took a lifetime to build can be destroyed in an instant.
A key component of a positive legacy is selflessness. The missionary Jim
Elliott said “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to
gain that which he cannot lose.” In other words give away your knowledge and
talents and resources so the future will be the beneficiary.
Once the
Revolutionary War was decided, George Washington was victorious. He was revered
for his courage and perseverance. He had the opportunity to take total control
of the country with the consent of the people.
Instead of unlimited power
and money, he set the precedent for the American democracy of our great
country. He would become our founding father, and would resign. He turned down unrestricted
power and gave the power back to the people. Today, countries around the world
follow the example of George Washington. That is a legacy worth repeating.
What kind of legacy are you leaving? If it's not the one you want, what can you do to leave a positive legacy?
Labels: cornerstone leadership solutions, George Washington, Jim Elliott, Legacy, mission, Revolutionary War, values
