How Will You Be Remembered?
Imagine with me a scene at the memorial service of someone dear to you. Visualize yourself driving to the place of the service, be it a funeral home or a church, parking your vehicle, and exiting. As you enter the venue, take in the sight of the floral arrangements and the gentle sounds of the organ music. Observe the expressions of friends and relatives as you navigate through the gathering. Experience the communal grief of loss as well as the happiness of fond memories that emanates from those present.
Approaching the front of the gathering and peering into the casket, you come face to face with your own image. This is your memorial, occurring five years from this moment. All these individuals have gathered to pay tribute to you and to convey their feelings of love and gratitude for your existence. While you settle into a chair, awaiting the commencement of the ceremony, you glance at the program you hold. There will be five individuals who will speak. The first is from your family, both immediate and extended—your children, siblings, nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents who have traveled from various parts of the nation to be here. The second is a friend of yours, someone who can encapsulate the essence of who you were. The third speaker represents your career or profession. The fourth comes from your religious community or another organization where you dedicated your time to service. The fifth and final speaker will be your partner.
Now, consider this thoughtfully. What do you wish each of these speakers would share about you and your life? What sort of spouse, parent, or child would you desire their remarks to convey? What kind of friend or colleague would you like to be reflected in their words?
Before proceeding, spend a moment reflecting on these inquiries. I truly believe that the most significant misfortune in life is not death, but existence—an existence that does not achieve its intended goals and potential.
The most substantial misfortune in life is not death, but existence…an existence that fails to realize its objectives and possibilities. LIVE EFFECTIVELY; you are being enlightened about the invaluable gift you hold, which is your potential. I have spoken to millions regarding the importance of living with intention. I have repeatedly emphasized that it is preferable to have never existed than to live without accomplishing the purpose for which life was granted to you. This principle is mirrored in Ecclesiastes 6:3-6. A person may father numerous children and live for many years; yet no matter how lengthy that life is, if he cannot take pleasure in his success and does not receive a dignified burial, I declare that a child who was stillborn is in a better state than he. It arrives without meaning, it leaves in obscurity, and in that darkness, its name is concealed. Although it never experienced sunlight or awareness, it has more peace than that individual.
This text claims that it might be preferable for a person to have never existed than to spend many years on Earth without achieving the purpose intended by God for their life. Essentially, upon realizing the immense potential within you, there is an obligation to share that richness with the surrounding world. Ralph Waldo Emerson expressed this well when he stated, “What lies behind you is history and what lies before you is future, but these are both tiny matters compared to what lies within you.” While your past cannot be changed and your future remains to be experienced, the present offers you chances to enhance your life and unlock the capabilities inside you. You must take charge of your abilities; this is a responsibility that cannot be taken on by anyone else. You must take charge of your abilities.
Are you leading a life that lacks purpose? Are you neglecting the very reason for your existence? I urge you to take charge of your abilities right away. Decide to tap into, unveil, and fully utilize your potential for the benefit of future generations. Leave your mark in your nation's history. Embrace life fully so that you can depart this world meaningfully. Let your life’s story inspire the message of your farewell and contribute your potential to humanity in honor of God. Keep in mind that “well done” holds far more value than “well said.” Avoid merely discussing your potential aspirations, visions, and concepts. Act now and choose to pursue them. Have the courage to think that what you have already achieved is just a small fraction of your actual capabilities. Step beyond the routine and experiences of your life and venture into the dreams, plans, and creative thoughts that await within you to be realized.
Writers