A Golden Rule Legacy
Yesterday I attended a funeral for a retired police officer and military veteran who passed away suddenly. Standing in Texas cemetary with the cold wind blowing across my face, time seemed to slow down as I listened to the words of the chaplain who was officiating. Part of me was there in the moment, present, and taking in the memories being shared. At the same time, my mind was occupied with questions, like “What will people say about me when I’m gone?”
Perhaps you’ve attended a funeral or had another experience in your life that made you think about what kind of legacy you’ll be leaving. The chaplain reminded the mourners that he’s never once seen a U-Haul behind a casket. “You can’t take it with you”, he said. It’s true that life is about a lot more than what we have or what we accomplish. It’s more so about the relationships we form and the impact we’ve made. It all boils down to how we treat one another.
The best way to leave a legacy is by living the Golden Rule wherever you go. Being patient in times of trouble, practicing peace in times of conflict, and being a friend to those in need, has a lot to do with legacy and character. What reminds you to live the Golden Rule in your life? For me, it’s always been my dad. A painting of him and his guitar hangs above the desk in my office. His trademark top hat, worn during his touring concert days, hangs on a coat rack in my bedroom. Finally, a newspaper clipping detailing his life and how he treated others, rests on a bookshelf in my rehearsal space. Each item reminds me that I can make the world a better place by treating others the way that I want to be treated.
Today, I challenge you to find something that reminds you to live a Golden Rule legacy and put it in a place where you will encounter it daily. Together we can make the world a brighter place.
