Every once in a while, we need a good reminder of our mortality.
I’ve had some of that this past week.
It started when two of my blogging buddies, Katdish and Dustin, published posts that included my favorite video – Hurt by Johnny Cash.
No matter how many times I watch it, that video always chokes me up.
A once youthful, vital, celebrated man at the end of his life. Old. Frail. Understanding – and sharing - the futility of chasing earthly treasures.
Ecclesiastes set to music.
How can that not stir something inside you?
It hit me again later in the week, as my wife and I were sifting through some old family photos.
That tiny, wiry baby girl who once comfortably fit between my elbow and my wrist, just celebrated her 21st birthday.
That pudgy little doughboy who I used to fling in the air and catch, is now two inches taller than me and wears size 13 shoes.
See that cute seven-year-old boy at the top of this post, showing off his first lost teeth? That’s my brother-in-law Dennis.
Dennis passed away five years ago.
The older I get, the more I’m aware of it.
Time marches on.
When my time comes, I would love to sign off with something as profound and touching as Johnny Cash’s Hurt video.
Because, in some small way, I want the sum of all of the ups and downs of my life to have a positive effect on others.
I think we all do.
We want to leave a legacy, don’t we?
But here’s the deal.
I don’t know whether I have another 40 years or another 40 minutes.
All I know is that my time here is finite.
And so is yours.
So, what are we doing with it?
It’s not about how much we accumulate.
It’s about who we serve.
Our legacy starts now.
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I like this post. It reminds me of St. Francis of Assisi (I think that’s who it was). He was gardening when someone asked him what he would do if he knew he were going to die in a few hours. He said that he’d finish hoeing his row.
That is how I’d like to live. It’s easier when things are going well…
Leanne Shirtliffe recently posted..Stuff Dad Does While Mom Is Out
Yep, that was Saint Francis.
I love the simplicity and peace that his response conveys.
I’m with you, Leanne. Count me in!
More than anything else I want my legacy to live in my daughter, that despite the mistakes and personal flaws, the overarching memories will reflect a Godly legacy.
Like you, Thomas, I hope and pray that my children will look beyond my faults and failings, and see a man after God’s own heart. Thanks for sharing!
That was powerful, Larry. I think it was when my mother died in a car accident that I was aware for the first time (in my heart, not just my head) that life is finite, and we don’t know how much time we have. Of course, as a widow, I have had that lesson pounded into me. I am aware, with each decision, that I leave that legacy for my children and grandchild, and also my co-workers, friends and those I meet briefly. We touch everyone we meet, and leave a mark. Is it the hand of God, or something else? We get to decide.
Well said, Ann. It is a decision.
Great post, Larry…and don’t get me started on the Hurt video. That’s one of my favorite songs and videos of all time. I don’t think anyone but Johnny Cash could have pulled that off.
Jason recently posted..MSY Bonus Video: Laying down idols
So true, Jason. It’s a masterpiece.
That video, coupled with Cash’s voice, cracks my heart every time.
Our time here truly is limited – something that was brought home to me when my brother passed away at the age of 30. Funnily enough though, it was his death that spurred me to make some changes and start reaching for those dreams I’d be shoving aside…in many ways, I have him to thank for my return to college.
Other than that? My best legacy is my sons, who are the best of me and their father and all of us who’ve come before them, rolled in red.
They’re what I will be proud to leave the world when it’s time to go. I do often wonder what I’m leaving THEM, though. Hmm….
Liz McLennan recently posted..Dear Husband….Love, Wife
I’m so glad you share the stories of your growing legacy with us, Liz. The compassion and wisdom your young Reds display are inspirational.
Beautiful post Larry. Really. Beautiful. As a side note, I get teary-eyed at the poignancy of Johnny’s version of Hurt. There were a few subtle changes he made to the original that brought it all together and gave it more significant depth and on a personal level. I also love the Nicole Nordeman song. Thanks for the simple encouragement “It’s about who we serve. Our legacy starts now.”
dunlizzie recently posted..Dear Valentine,
Thank you so much, Dunlizzie. Yep, I never would have seen the potential in the Nine Inch Nails version of Hurt. Cash did an amazing job with it. I also like how Nichole Nordeman’s song conveys a similar message but from a whole different perspective. It’s always a pleasure to have you visit!
Beautiful thoughts and questions to ponder, Larry. Between you, Billy Coffey and Deb Bryan, I have a great deal to think about today.
Isn’t it funny how sometimes posts can be so timely? Just yesterday, my husband and I were discussing this very subject and how we view life differently than we did when we were younger – it could end at anytime!
Daughters who offer kindness and compassion to others is the legacy that I hope to leave behind.
Carol Rives recently posted..Better Late Than Never ~
Yep, I sure appreciate those times when a certain message just keeps appearing and resonating in my life. God has a great way of speaking to us, if we just take the time to notice and listen. Thanks for your encouragement, Carol!
Very striking, Larry. A couple of friends and I were just talking about this the other day. Seems the older we get, the more it’s on our minds. Sometimes I wish I was from Ork. That, or I was Benjamin Button.
Love and miss you guys, and hope all is well!
We love and miss you too, Laurie. Hope to see you all again soon. Nanu-Nanu!
This definitely a great reminder and challenge Larry! Thanks!
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Spiritual growth is proven more by behaviour than by beliefs
My pleasure, Kevin. Thank you for your kind words. And happy birthday!
This post, in combination with a few others I’ve read this week, inspired me to write a new blog post today. (Linked below) Thank you, my friend, for asking the important questions and for gently guiding, even when you don’t know it.
Liz McLennan recently posted..Reaping What We Sow…
Awesome, Liz.
I’m honored that some of my musings have been helpful, as many of your posts (and comments!) have been for me. Thank you very much for your encouragement and influence, my friend!
I want my legacy to mean something in several fronts. First, I want to do the Lord’s work and witness to many people on his greatness. Second, I want my daughters to know that altough I am not perfect I loved the Lord with all my heart, and that I had the best in mind for them. Thirdly, I want people to say that I loved my wife and took care of her the way Christ loves his church.
Juan Cruz Jr recently posted..A New Creation
Couldn’t ask for more than that, Juan. That is a great legacy!
I really like what you have to say here Larry. I know that video well and the scene where Johnny sees June really did get him on the spot. None of us know how much time we have. I’ve had cause to think about that much lately. I like to use it as a motivating factor.
Clay Morgan recently posted..Killer Tribes or Bust
I’ve been missing you, Clay. It’s always nice to hear from you. You’re in my prayers!
I would like to have kids through whom my legacy (if I have one…) could live on and in. And, in order to get the kids, I need the husband too…
Shelley recently posted..Where Has the Time Gone?
The great thing about influencing kids is that you can practice with someone else’s!
A good reminder to pass on to the next generation… Broken Dreams (author unknown)
As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend,
I brought my broken dreams to God because He is my Friend.
But then instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone.
I hung around and tried to help with ways that were my own.
At last I snatched them back and cried, “How can You be so slow?”
“My child,” He said, “What could I do? You never did let go.”
Thanks for sharing, Christine!
Hi, Thanks for posting this. I was a bit moved when I read about the loved ones you lost the past years. I just look at the picture of the boy above and when I know that he died, there’s a kind of feeling of grief because he looks so healthy and active. Many thanks.
phil recently posted..Christian Songs for the Brokenhearted
My pleasure, Phil. I’m glad you stopped by!