How Will People Remember Me?

It is not what we do that holds value all by itself, but who we are and how that affects what we do. The spirit in which we do what we do, by this alone others remember us.

Todd Beal

♦

I think sometimes that when talking to someone else, we get so focused on the “what’s in it for me” in the monologue/dialogue – the self-interest factor of the conversation – we forget we are talking to ‘someone else’ who is a person. Sometimes it is not necessarily what the other person is saying that, all by itself, truly gives worth or meaning to their presence, but instead the fellowship we receive in each other’s company simply by sharing each other with each other.

I find the more I truly pay attention to the most subtle of nuances, or seemingly the most trivial of details, in someone else’s monologue, the more I truly appreciate the personal uniqueness s/he has chosen to entrust to me. What an honor for someone to trust me enough to let down the guard and openly share his or her self with me; whether by words, music, a personal hug, or just a simple passing smile.

When we lay down at the end of this short life, regardless of our personal accomplishments, others will remember us by one quality alone: how did we impact them on a personal level. It is not what we do that holds value all by itself, but who we are and how that affects what we do. The spirit in which we do what we do, by this alone others remember us. And only an ever-deepening, personal relationship with Jesus makes our relationship with others the best it can possibly be.