Left Behind

No, I'm not writing a book report on pre-millennial rapture fiction.

My wife and I attended a retirement party for one of her fellow teachers last night.  During the program, I watched as his coworkers appropriately roasted him.  However, throughout the program was an underlying foundation of respect and gratitude for his many years in the district as a teacher.  He had impacted thousands of young lives over his career.  There were glowing testimonials from teachers and students alike.

The bottom line:  he didn't just teach; he changed lives.

Then I thought about my retirement... not the one in 25 years, but the one that happens every day.  When I shut down my desk at the end of the day, have I changed at least one life for the better?  Is somebody's job a little easier?  Have I helped somebody find a solution?  Have I launched somebody in a more relevant and meaningful direction?  Have I simply encouraged somebody to smile or laugh?  What legacy have I left today?

It's the start of a new work week... when you retire to go home in a few hours, what will be your legacy?  What will you leave behind?

Comments

[Connie Reece]

Timothy, I'm reading this late on a Sunday night; last blog post in my reader and then I'm shutting down and making my to-do list for Monday morning. I will add a new item at the top of the list: Change somebody's life today. Thanks for the reminder that each new day is an opportunity to change someone's life for the better.

[Lucia Mancuso]

Tim
What a great thought - as Connie wrote I'm going to keep that on my list too. You change 2 people today.
And I must say - your blog posts have helped me out on many the days.

[Beth]

Great post! But it does set the bar very high for a Tuesday morning! Yikes!!
Thanks for another great post! -Beth

[Sherry Borzo]

Great post Timothy. It makes much more sense to focus on making significant little differences in a day. Actually it makes "work" more fun if the top of mind awareness is trying to impact others positively rather than just doing a "job."

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Tim - you have definitely left your legacy in me my friend. You are a giver, and I am glad to have you in my life. Thanks for focusing on YOUR legacy every day, in every way.

[Timothy Johnson]

Connie, Lucia, Beth, Sherry, and Phil - thanks for commenting and for your kind words. It is a legacy that I hope every one tries to leave each and every day.