While the job of an estate planner is to help families plan for the crises of sickness or death, drafting a Last Will and Testament or a Living Trust is not the only way to leave a legacy. For 52 years, my late father served as a pastor. More than a few times in the last week, I’ve heard his voice rattling in the back of my head. What I imagine are words of encouragement – don’t lose hope – the best is yet ahead – God has a plan for your life.
On this day, I encourage you to think about simple actions you can take that would leave a legacy for others:
- Practice Gratitude. No matter what your circumstances, be grateful for the gifts of family and friendship. Share your appreciation for the good things you have experienced with the people you love.
- Reach Out to Someone. Living in isolation can add to fear. Give someone a call or FaceTime a friend and let them know you’re thinking about them. Share something humorous. Bring a smile to someone else’s face.
- Focus on Having a Positive Mindset. In the Epistle to the Philippians, a book of the New Testament found in the Christian Bible, Paul encourages us to meditate on those things that are true, that are noble, that are just, things that are pure and lovely or are of good report. Maybe it’s a good day to turn off the news and enjoy something beautiful like a great work of art.
- Speak Someone Else’s Love Language. In 1995, Dr. Gary Chapman wrote a novel book that identified 5 ways that describe how we feel loved and appreciated. One of those ways is to share words of affirmation. Send someone a message or make a call and leave a legacy by sharing a word of affirmation.