The Legacy Continues…

Good leadership is not what happens when you’re around but what happens when you aren’t.

Have you ever reflected on the impact of your life? Maybe it was in the midst of a near-death experience. Or maybe it was during a season of transition; you moved to a new city or changed career paths. When you reflect, did you feel a sense of accomplishment or rather the weight of regret?

When I was hospitalized with COVID in 2020, isolated with nothing but my thoughts and beeping monitors, I came face-to-face with the choices I had made in life. I wondered if I would ever see my family again. But even in my fight for each and every breath, I had peace. Had I realized all my dreams? No. Had I obtained every goal I had set out to accomplish? No. So why was I able to have peace in the struggle? Because I had assurance that the work of my life would continue on without me. I was confident in my legacy.

Moses understood the importance of leaving a legacy. Throughout the journey to the promised land, he pulled Joshua close. He allowed Joshua access to his life. He was there to witness Moses’ highlight reels, as well as his downfalls. Joshua was loyal, patient, and eager to learn. Moses was not threatened by his strengths but instead recognized his gifts and appointed him as his successor. While Moses was not permitted to enter the promised land, he prepared Joshua to be the leader Israel needed. This is a choice each one of us can make; to lead with the future in mind. While I was alone in the hospital room, fighting for my life, I experienced a peace that comes from the assurance that even if I didn’t make it out, my family and our church would carry on the legacy.

Take some time to read today’s scriptures and reflect on the legacy you’re leaving behind. Are you intentionally pouring into others? How are you stewarding your gifts/talents to invest in the next generation? What decisions can you make or change today that will impact tomorrow?