Did you get to see her or call her?

If you were able to share a meal with your mom for Mothers’ Day, good for you! If not, I hoped you called her and told her you love her. If for some reason that did not happen (no judging), then give her a belated call. Better late than never, right?

We have close friends who don’t care for their parents, rarely talk to them, much less see them. It might even be accurate to say they disdain them, which makes my wife and me sad because we are blessed to have both come from great families. Don’t get me wrong, our families are not perfect and we deal with regular challenges, which often can be attributed to misunderstandings from a failure to communicate.

 My mom passed almost 12 years ago at the not-so-old age of 70. I was not extremely close to my parents, but have grown very close to my dad since we started a business together and now live in the same community. Although I may not have been incredibly close to my mom, we had a connection and those that know us both say we are a lot alike. 

 Mom could be described as stern, quiet and one who did not often show emotion. However, she taught children and ladies at church,  as well as in a local women’s federal correctional facility. She loved others and cared deeply for them, but was never over-the-top vocal or visible about it.

 An interesting observation is that I’ve never cried over Mom’s passing and I’m not sure why. But the more time passes, the more I miss her. And I missed her yesterday. But just like it says in Hebrews that by faith Abel still speaks to us today, the legacy of my mom lives on.

 Legacy is a topic covered in my book, What’s Next? Finding the Road to Your Success. Here’s an excerpt: “What will your legacy be? What do you want people to remember about you and say about you after you’re gone? If you commit to a life of growing in wisdom, staying healthy, and honoring God in all you do, as well as making new friends and building relationships, there is a strong chance you’ll live an abundant life.”

 Mom was an extraordinary example and her life continues to inspire me to live in such a way to ensure her legacy lives on. Who inspires you? If it’s your mom, make sure she knows. If it is also others, tell them they are making an impact on you. But today’s takeaway is to give some thought to who you are inspiring. Reflect on these words from Nichole Nordeman:

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.

Not well-traveled, not well-read, not well-to-do or well-bred

I just want to hear instead, “Well done good and faithful one.”

Think about your example in order to leave a legacy that inspires others. Your life does matter because we all have influence. Make yours count.

What will you do today to encourage or inspire another?

Make it happen.

And get the book at https://www.amazon.com/s?k=what%27s+next+by+sid+walker&i=stripbooks&ref=nb_sb_noss