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A Legacy
without an *
Keith Starcher
DayStar Consulting
The presence or absence of
asterisks –what a divisive topic in the world of sports
today. Think about it. In baseball, should that home run
record be followed by an *? If a certain NFL team goes
undefeated this year, should their season stats include an
asterisk? The world of biking, track & field and, yes, even
business seems to be plagued by those who just don’t want to
play by the rules.
Yet as some bend or break the
rules to enhance their performance, their legacy potentially
ends up being tainted with an asterisk (or worse). In the end,
what do you have to leave behind, but your legacy? How will you
and I be remembered by subordinates, superiors, colleagues and
family members? And what should we be doing today that will
result in a legacy untainted by an asterisk?
I’ve been thinking a lot about
my father’s legacy. (Dad passed away just over a month ago.)
Yes, my dad built some great things in his life; he was always
good with his hands. But when I think of his legacy, all I can
think about is the quality of the relationships he enjoyed. I
don’t think about his material possessions or his skills or any
of that. I think about his relationship with me and with
others.
First, my father developed a
quiet strength through his intimate relationship with Jesus
Christ. He was not a Bible teacher, but he loved the
Scriptures. I’m not sure how many Bibles he “wore out” in his
lifetime. But I now remember that on every occasion when I
visited dad, I would find his Bible right next to his favorite
chair. He spent time in the Word and through that time alone he
developed a close relationship with his Savior.
He also developed many wonderful
relationships within our family and among neighbors and
friends. He was known for his smile and his willingness to
help. Dad was certainly blessed with many loving and caring
relationships. And I can see how his life positively impacted
the lives of others. He finished well—not an asterisk to be
seen.
And so as you enter into another
week of work, would you consider the many relationships with
which you have been entrusted? And then realize that your
legacy will ultimately be shaped by the quality and sincerity of
those relationships.
Robert Galford, in his book
Your Leadership Legacy, challenges each of us to consider
that our legacy “…will be revealed in how our colleagues,
employees, and others think and behave as a result of the time
they spent working with you.”
How will those at home and at
work with whom you interact with on a daily basis be blessed and
think and act differently because of the legacy that you are
building this week? How many of them will finish well (no
asterisks in sight) because of your influence on their lives?
Those are
frightening questions. And I personally want to shrink back
from that kind of responsibility. But then I remember, “It’s
not about me.” It’s about Him. He wants to use me to be a
blessing to others and to bring glory to Him both at home, at
church, and in the marketplace. One Person to please; one day
at a time.
Your legacy
and mine are being built day by day, week by week…
Let’s make
sure that we’re building that legacy on the right foundation.
Enjoy being
a blessing to someone this week.
Keith
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