I heard a song the other day by Mark Shultz (A Christian Music Artist) named “Remember Me”. (If you don’t know the song, take a listen below – and you can practice reading Spanish)
The context of the song made me think about what I can do to make my family, friends, community, country and maybe even the world to remember who I was.
I have always tried my best to make a difference in the world around me, Ever since high school I have been a volunteer, Rotarian, and humanitarian. I have tried my best to raise money for worthy causes and have worked to be an educator to the people I encounter.
At times I have to wonder what makes a person remembered. Is it the legacy that they leave behind in their children, the money accumulate or their philanthropy, the people they serve or touch in their existence? Is it the large grandiose gestures, or the small, seemingly meaningless ones?
Over at Our Crooked Tree, a celebration of a 100th post, just occurred and with this she decided to talk about 100 things about her and one of them made me think again about this topic. She mentioned that she wished to write a book someday. Thinking about this, I guess there will be some who may remember me due to the publications that I have written. Yes, I can honestly say that I am an author, but no, most of you will never read it unless you are in the field of student affairs or are in college administration. I also have my dissertation published (I don’t know how many have actually read it besides J-Mom, and my Dad and Mom (pasts of it at least)). So will this make me remembered… I would probably say no, but the relationships I made in writing the book will make me remembered.
I think this is part of it…I think you have to put yourself out there and be willing to take a chance. Take a chance on people, take a chance on getting to know others, networking and being there when they need you. I tell you blogging has opened up a world of new people to me outside of my business network and it has been great! I know that taking this leap for some is not easy. Opening yourself and trusting the people you meet takes time – take the time and get started! Your listening ear may make a difference to someone else.
I guess for me, I will continue to do what I can to make a difference. In my thoughts, making a difference is contextual and carries an individual definition that only you can know. So what is important in my mind is making a difference in the lives of the people around me, but also those less fortunate.
So my questions for the day…
– What will you do or have you done to be remembered?
– What does making a difference mean to you?
I look forward to your thoughts and comments!
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HI Son,
One of the things that make a difference to me is doing things that no one knows I have done and watch their reaction when they get an unexpected “congratulations” or “birthday cake at work”, whatever. You don’t have to be recognized to feel you have done something important I feel as long as you feel what you did “made someone’s day special, you need to remember you are special too because you took the time to do it!
Love comes in many shapes and forms and levels and even giving food for a food bank says you care.
Remember the small things too!
I agree with Rosemary that an anonymous act of kindness is the best. The Bible says do not boast.
To make a difference – it’s the little things. I just returned from volunteering at our church’s Touched Twice event (blogging about it later) and I worked in the haircutting area. The woman was so thrilled with her haircut she hugged everyone. To witness this, is moving.
To leave a legacy, that’s different, who do I want to remember me…my kids. So, I blog, I have a book in the works and I learn about myself. I have learned that I want my children to stop and smell the roses, not just do the next expectant thing…school, work, marry, kids. I’m learning to place worth in the very smallest of things, but they are huge – the sunset…it’s a huge concept. Lake Michigan, huge again.
Loved this post and I heard this artist in church today while working.
Thanks for the link love! As the mother of two young boys (37 months and 20 months) I think about my legacy. The way I behave and the relationships I have are what my boys will model. I may not be famous but I am making a difference. As a member of society I think about what I can do to help others. I volunteer for two orgs in town that benefit less fortunate and abused children. This is just another way for me to model for my boys.