LEGACY FROM A FATHER'S PERSPECTIVE

Leg·a·cy (leg'a-se) 1. Money or property bequeathed to another by will;

2. Something handed down from an ancestor or a predecessor or from the past:

a legacy of religious freedom.

As a father, I will someday leave a legacy for my children, and every day, as I live my life, I am building that legacy. I know a lot of people tend to think in terms of leaving their children money or property, but I have determined that the legacy I most want to leave my children is not one of material wealth, characterized by chasing the almighty dollar. I want to leave them something that will last forever.

The legacy-that is, what I want my children to be able to look back on and draw strength from after I am gone–is based on the principles I have tried to live by. Principles such as: Faith in God and walking and talking daily with Jesus developing a personal relationship with Him. Loving others as you love yourself. Enjoying life to the fullest. Finding joy in all things-especially the little things. Count your blessings often, and don't forget to express gratitude to whom it is due. Life is full of situations you can't control, but you can always choose to control your attitude.

As a father, I have found that building the kind of legacy I hope to leave, is not easy. In fact, I have strayed many times from my original goals and objectives in this area. Still, because I know how important it is for me to keep working on my legacy, I will continue to persevere, fine tuning as I make my way through this life.

Fathers, we are all building a legacy for those who will follow us. Sadly, the legacy of many will not be a very positive one, for the simple fact that they have never even thought about it. What kind of legacy are you planning on leaving for your children and the generations to follow? It is never too late to begin thinking, planning, and implementing your strategies for leaving a strong and healthy legacy for your children, and even for your children's children.