As I begin to get a bit older, I'm finding myself looking more and more at what I'll leave behind someday. My view is becoming less and less of what I have and do in the here and now and more and more of creating a lasting legacy and what I need to do to get there.
Legacy. Every man conjures the word at some point. We roll it around and it brings to mind buildings with our name on them, records set and goals achieved or standing room only at our funeral. At some point, we look at life and try to find some point to it. Even beyond the will of God for one's life, for not all of us are believers, we want to know we've made a difference, had an impact, will be remembered. As a builder, you would think leaving a legacy would be an easy thing to find; the Roach's master suite addition so they could adopt Destini and Julian, the Miller's garage-mahal that's more a monument than a garage, or even finishing my brother's basement so my mom, just getting out of the hospital, could move in with him. All very satisfying jobs and in their eyes, a legacy of sorts perhaps, but... a fire, it's gone, the house is sold, it's gone, a remodel, it's gone. I'm finding myself, more often, taking myself out of the rat race. What is the necessity for me to work 40 or 50 hours a week for 50 weeks a year? Is it just so I can buy all the cool things I see on TV (including a new TV) and then I can retire to a rocking chair when I'm 60? Where does that leave those that I work FOR? Where does my family stand when I only see them a few hours in the evenings and on weekends (and only then if we don't have "something else going on")? Here's how I'm beginning to see it: If I'm still building in 7 years, when Evan turns 13, he'll start working with me, especially when it's nice out or on inside jobs. In 10 years, when Chloe turns 13, she'll start working with me, too. We'll see where they are physically so I don't overwork them. When they each turn 18, having worked on and off with me for 5 years, they'll be given the opportunity to partner into the business. If they do, we'll all, along with Bree, become Monde Family Home Improvement. If they don't, I'll have given THEM my all as they've grown up and I'll support whatever choices they make. That's when I'll start working toward retirement. I'll be 52. In the meantime, it's about as much time with my family as possible. I'll work for what we need because what we need is to be together. My children are my legacy and I intend to leave an indelible mark of time, love and importance on them. The new TV can wait, the old one still works just fine.
Legacy. Every man conjures the word at some point. We roll it around and it brings to mind buildings with our name on them, records set and goals achieved or standing room only at our funeral. At some point, we look at life and try to find some point to it. Even beyond the will of God for one's life, for not all of us are believers, we want to know we've made a difference, had an impact, will be remembered. As a builder, you would think leaving a legacy would be an easy thing to find; the Roach's master suite addition so they could adopt Destini and Julian, the Miller's garage-mahal that's more a monument than a garage, or even finishing my brother's basement so my mom, just getting out of the hospital, could move in with him. All very satisfying jobs and in their eyes, a legacy of sorts perhaps, but... a fire, it's gone, the house is sold, it's gone, a remodel, it's gone. I'm finding myself, more often, taking myself out of the rat race. What is the necessity for me to work 40 or 50 hours a week for 50 weeks a year? Is it just so I can buy all the cool things I see on TV (including a new TV) and then I can retire to a rocking chair when I'm 60? Where does that leave those that I work FOR? Where does my family stand when I only see them a few hours in the evenings and on weekends (and only then if we don't have "something else going on")? Here's how I'm beginning to see it: If I'm still building in 7 years, when Evan turns 13, he'll start working with me, especially when it's nice out or on inside jobs. In 10 years, when Chloe turns 13, she'll start working with me, too. We'll see where they are physically so I don't overwork them. When they each turn 18, having worked on and off with me for 5 years, they'll be given the opportunity to partner into the business. If they do, we'll all, along with Bree, become Monde Family Home Improvement. If they don't, I'll have given THEM my all as they've grown up and I'll support whatever choices they make. That's when I'll start working toward retirement. I'll be 52. In the meantime, it's about as much time with my family as possible. I'll work for what we need because what we need is to be together. My children are my legacy and I intend to leave an indelible mark of time, love and importance on them. The new TV can wait, the old one still works just fine.
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7 comments:
That is very, very awesome man. Really when it comes down to it there's nothing on this earth that can come close to spending time with those you love. Not a brand-new Jeep, not a Super High-Def Plasma TV, nothing. Sure having nice things is a bonus but it's not all there is to life. I too want to leave a legacy when it's my time to leave this earth. Will it be one of loving those around me or will I be remembered as the guy who had a lot of cool toys but never really took the time to connect and be there for people? I want to be remembered as the guy who stood up for what was right and who was there for his family (well my future family when that time comes) and put them second only to God.
oooo....good post!!!
I've resurrected in POWER!
*a giant sun beam rips open the sky*
My Bro, you hit the nail right on the head. Thats what I have been saying for years. Well all except for the tV part. And it extends to all my family not just my wife and kids. I love you and your family very much. Some things we both do the other looks at them and says "thats kinda weird" it doesn't change the fact that I ill always love you and your family the same tomorrow as today. We need to get together call me and well set something up. Love ya kid.
Excelleeeeent! Made me think. It's real easy to get caught up in all the stuff and forget what's most important...God, Family, others (In that order).
I love this :-)
and I love you :-)
"Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate." - Psalm 127:3-5
Today as my second son is born I take more joy in my family then I ever have and you have expressed my heart. Great post bud.
stunning words are deep reverence to God for the gift of children. now i understand why you are so insistent on seeing if any married female in your life is bearing fruit...thanks for the insight and genuine honesty.
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