Leaving a Legacy

As I drop off my son each day at school, he asks, “Will I see you tonight?”

You see, I ensure that whenever I can (which is most mornings), I take my youngest son to school on my way to work. I do that to ensure I see him at least once during the day since I often have to work late into the evening. Lately, his question has broken my heart more than usual. I drive away crying, and I find that I am struggling more and more being away from my boys, away from my husband, and yearning in my heart to “come home”.

My job demands many hours and much effort. It consumes not only my presence, but also much of my thought, time and attention. And, as the sole person working in my household, I have felt basically powerless to change it. However, I pray that changes tomorrow.

I entered a contest through “The Daring”, a community website that exists “to bring women together to collaborate, grow their businesses, enhance their lives, and achieve their most daring dreams”. The contest was for a free one-hour coaching session with Dory Willer, founder of Beacon Quest Coaching, which specializes in business success, career and life renewal coaching. Dory went from being an executive at a Fortune 100 company to a successful entrepreneur, which prompted me to enter the contest. After all, she has accomplished what I have only dared to dream about. I am ready to make my dreams a reality.

The contest entailed writing about what makes me ready to take my life to “the next level”. I spoke of my situation, and I explained the work I have done to define my vision statement, which is:

To provide individuals desiring to improve their lives, and the lives of those around them, with Christ-honoring information and resources that enables them to achieve success and fulfillment, personally and professionally.

I wrote of several business models that I thought could be used to fulfill this vision. And, I asked for the one-hour coaching session to help bring clarity and structure on how to successfully start the process to move from a more-than-full-time job to living out my dream full time. I want to move from the temporary trappings of this world and leave a legacy that points to Christ, just as Nicole Nordeman’s song says. May God open my eyes and heart to the path that will lead me there…for His glory, not for my accolades. Nicole says it better than I can…

Legacy
By Nicole Nordeman

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me,
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest.
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so ‘n’ so's that used to be the best
At such 'n' such ... it wouldn't matter much.

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights.
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'.
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world.

CHORUS:
I want to leave a legacy.
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering;
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed Your name unapologetically,
And leave that kind of legacy.

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy.
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such, will soon enough destroy.

CHORUS

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred;
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...

CHORUS