In today's Americana, we are bombarded with materialism. So much importance placed on things. If an alien visited our country, he would be led to believe that our stuff is the source of our happiness. Whether it be TV commercials or peer pressure it's all about the latest and greatest You have to have the best clothes, the best car, the biggest TV, the newest I phone, the trendiest purse, chicest hair do, and on, and on. We amass mountains of things that once out of style become absolutely worthless. It seems, according to pop culture, that the only meaningful goal in life is to sit atop the biggest mansion with the most things in it. All the while we are lonely and hollow on the inside.
Recently, several of my friends faced very dire paths in their lives. It really brought back many memories of life and death occurrences that I've face over the years. There was the time that my youngest had contracted meningitis. He was only six years old. We spent a week in Children's Hospital and because of the fear of the disease only close family and one couple came to visit. It was a lot of time to think about what was important. I assure you we didn't worry about our hair, or clothes, or any popular TV shows. The bills and well being of our bank account were the farthest things from our minds. All that mattered was the life of our little boy. Another time was at Winter Camp. I received a phone call from the wife that my Grandfather would be taken off of life support. Possibly the lowest point in my parenting career was giving that news to my Sons in the lunch line. We left camp with their merit badge work only half done, but all that mattered was being with family as my Grandfather left this life. I've also had the privilege of help others in their time of need. When driving a friend to get their child out of jail, the discussion never turned to the newest mall in town. When standing with a fatherless boy that faces censure for breaking school rules, the young man never brought up the coolest band. Watching a friend bury a child never brings to mind all the gifts purchased for Christmas.
In the end you won't be remembered for the material things you've acquired in this life. Shortly, after your death whatever Earthly possessions you have will be divided up or sold off. But it's your intangible relationships that will define your legacy. Your memory will only be carried on by those you touched at the heart of their being. Your spirit will live on in the lives of those who see you as someone to emulate. Which brings up the harsh question, how many people have you impacted in this brief life? Who have you poured your love, knowledge, spirit, attitude, and very life into? Hopefully, it's more than just your family. There's a whole world out there desperate for love. There's a generation desperate for your knowledge. Thousands of people who need rescue from there depression by your generous spirit. If you truly value your life you will pour it into others so it can live on long after your mortal body fades. That is a truly valuable life indeed.
"When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me.'" Erma Bombeck
