The old pizza commercial that asked, “What do you want on your tombstone?” always reminded me of the Wild West, of gunfights at the OK Corral, and of the famous Boot Hill Cemetery. It was a clever ad, but it made me think about things other than pizza.
It made me think about what one leaves to others – not money, but values. I was a teacher for many years, and thought that success would be if just one student were to say, “You made a difference in my life.” To my astonishment, many former students have said just that and more to me.
Knowing that somehow I made a difference was payback enough! But I wondered just what they remembered from so many years ago. Some said they learned to work hard and have a good time – in that order! Others remembered that it is important to do your best always. Excellence counts, not mediocrity. And most important of all, treat everyone with respect.
What I am able to leave others is not money or things, but values. It’s not what you have, it’s who you are. What I encourage you to do is just this: Rather than leaving a legacy, live your legacy. YOU make a difference!
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