This semester I am taking a Positive Living Class. In it we get to do certain experiences each week that push us to learn the concepts we've been covering. This week it was on purposes and values. We were given the opportunity to write out our legacy. Think about it. When you pass on, what types of things do you want to be remembered for? What will you have accomplished? Who will you have become and how will your kids/grandchildren think of you? Well, here is my legacy. I hope that one day when I am old, I will be able to look back on my life and see that I have accomplished some of these things...
Anna was a wonderful mother, sister, friend, and wife. She always had time for the people she loved, and she loved many. Being a stay at home mother was hard work, but it was a work that Anna wanted to do. She knew it was her calling. This didn't stop her from improving herself each and every day. At times Anna would have to work to help support her family, this was usually done by teaching piano from her home. Her students doted on her. They learned to love and appreciate music as she taught them the joy it could bring into their lives. Her children also loved to hear their mother playing the piano every day. Each of her children learned to play the piano. Anna was service oriented and blessed many lives. Each week she would find time to serve in the temple. It didn't matter if she went by herself or with loved ones, she just went and communed with God and did His work. Anna was faithful in everything she did. She was always consistent in her callings and fulfilled her duties within the church. There was no doubt that Anna put God first in her life. Her favorite scripture was Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct thy paths." Anna truly lived by this mantra. Through her life we can all learn to love one another better, serve each other and God. Enjoy music and make ourselves better. Put God and family first. These are the things that Anna did. She valued these things and it blessed everyone she came into contact with.
As I wrote this legacy, I felt a couple of things. First I felt a little foolish and self centered. Secondly I worried that I wouldn't accomplish all of these things. Last, I felt like it did a great job of highlighting my values. God, family, service, the church, friends, and music. Thinking back now I would probably also add a good sense of humor and a good cook, but those aren't my main values. I also realized that by doing this it cemented in my mind who I am and who I want to become. Hopefully I can use this legacy to improve myself and to have a goal that I can look back on again and again throughout this life.
