Would you be missed?

Except for the avid history buff or church historian, most people would be hard pressed to name presidents in the 20th or 19th century - or pastors of the Stone Church of the 30's and 40's.

We would like to think that once we leave any given situation that what we have done will make such an impression that people will remember our name for decades if not centuries to come.

Human nature tells us otherwise.

Even the greatest among us dies, leaving behind a legacy that is remembered, at best, for a short while.

I was reading a story today (a true story) of a dad who was left behind at a gas station near Memphis.  This dad (from Texas) who did not want to give his name (good call) had been driving all night and intended to crawl into the back of the car and sleep. 

Apparently, his family assumed he was in the car so they took off down the road.

The poor guy kept calling everyone's cell phones, but nobody bothered to answer.

He finally used a computer from a local motel to contact a family member via Facebook.

The family van was 100 miles down the road at that point.

The article concluded by stating, "The dad feels confident the entire incident was simply a huge mistake."  (Are you sure about that, dad?)

If you left your situation, today, would you be missed?

Interesting question.

Would I be missed?

Maybe, I would hope, for a little while, but then the next pastor comes and church life goes on.

That's why we must focus on two things:

Making sure that everything we do has eternal ramifications by doing everything for the glory of Jesus Christ.  My desire is to point people to Jesus.

Make sure that what we are leaving is an investment in people.  People who can then invest in others, who invest in others, who invest in others - whether the "others" remember your name or not.

Just a thought for a Tuesday.

BTW, because of all of the above, "get over yourself" - everyone else has.  :)