A Life Legacy

The word LEGACY has been on my mind lately.

It probably stems from my huge Project Photo Legacy which took months to complete. Not only were there pictures, but report cards, eulogies, newspaper clippings, and family trees. All of which conjured up memories—most happy and a few sad.

Many loved ones in the photos passed on years ago while some more recent. And whether they ever thought about it or not, they left a legacy behind. 

In some cases, it's tangible—a piece of jewelry or antique furniture—and in other cases, it's a lesson taught—like how to change the oil in the car or make potato salad. Regrettable, there are also instances of legacy wounds—scars from abuse, neglect, or generational emotional baggage.

But in the midst of this chaotic project, I found a real gem from an unlikely source written in 1988.

My husband's namesake, Hendrick, received a card with a Catholic charm attached from Mother Teresa. I assume Hendrick had contributed to her ministry. When I read her typewriter-written words, I feel as if she not only conveyed gratitude for the gift, but she left a legacy for each of us.  Words that demonstrate Jesus' love, inspire hope, and challenge self-less action on our part.   

Maybe if we lived life pondering the legacy we are leaving behind, we'd live life different. How? By being more compassionate, patient, and loving and less stressed, angry, and demanding. And if we all could accomplish that, our world would be a better place for those who come behind us.

We can't change the past but can start today in this very moment. Be present in the present with a legacy-minded, open-heart life that shares love and wisdom with all we meet along our path. Now that's a sweet legacy to be remembered by the generations that follow.

Here are Mother Teresa's words=  July 28, 1988

"Dear Hendrick,

How precious you must be to Jesus that He is able to share so intimately His cross with you.

Look often at the cross and you will see Jesus' head bent to kiss you, His arms extended to embrace you, His heart opened to receive you, to enclose you within His love.

My gift to you is my prayer, that you may continue to keep the joy of loving Jesus ever burning in your heart and share that love with all you meet, especially with those closest to you.

Please offer some of your sufferings for me, my sisters and the poor we serve.

God bless you, M Teresa"

A thirty-year-old true legacy from a self-less human who made the world a better place. May her simple, short message inspire us today!

What about you? Do you ever ponder your legacy? Do you have a treasured legacy left by a loved one? Please share a comment and inspire someone today.