Leaving a Legacy

This post was born this afternoon out of a conversation after work. One of my co-workers (who is a Youth Pastor) and I begin to talk about what is important in this life. Some would say to be famous, some would say to be rich, some would say what social circle you belong to. There are a great host of things that people say are important and deem you one of the elite in life.
Some of you reading this may be in your 20's others may be in your 30's, 40's, 50's or even older. I declare the most important thing you have in this life is the Legacy you leave when you are gone. This is not a doom blog about death but it is about the celebration of a life that impacted this world for Christ.

The Encyclopedia Britannica gives this definition for a Legacy : generally a gift of property by will or testament. The term is used to denote the disposition of either personal or real property in the event of death.

In other words it is something you leave for generations to come. There were some great Legacies left in the 19th and 20th centuries by some great men and women. Perhaps you have already thought of a Great President or person. These are the people whose lives keep touching people long after they are gone. As we began to talk about the Legacies in our lives this afternoon both of our minds went immediately to our fathers who left a great Legacy for two men that will undoubtedly be impacted forever. We both agreed that our Christian heritage was one of the most important gifts our fathers passed on to us. There were many kind words said at both of their viewings and funerals. We discussed the great number of people who came to pay their last respect. I remember one 39 year old man coming up to me and telling me that I would never know how much my father had impacted his life. Tears began to flow down my cheeks because it was a testament of my fathers Legacy. As we continued to talk this afternoon the Spirit began to captivate our hearts and minds of the Legacy that we will leave behind. What will be said of Tim Pate when he leaves this life? He was an honest man who impacted my life for Christ or God forbid not a lot of good is said about him.You and I are building our Legacy everyday we live whether we are 20 or 80. I ask you the same question. What will be said of you? Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Start building your Legacy Today.

I finally created a blog

This is a whole new toy for me. I can see where one could spend hours sharing their thoughts on a blog. I knew about blogs but just recently became interested in creating one. My first cousin is a Pastor of a thriving church and communicates weekly on his blog. I have been encouraged and personally challenged by a lot of his blogs. At the urging of another close friend who just created his blog I decided to give it a whirl. It is my attempt to use this blog to encourage as well. There is enough bad stuff in the world so why not share some good news! I've had a lot of personal trials which I will share at a later time. No matter what you face you can face it triumphantly. There may be clouds in your life today but there will be a brighter tomorrow. I am reminded of this when I fly and I take off in a storm. Below it is dismal and bleak but when you enter the dark clouds and come out on the top of the clouds there is sunshine. The blue sky and Sun was above the clouds the entire time. So look up! Just above the dark clouds in your life there is a ray of hope.