Legacy – How do you want to be remembered?

I was in small group this evening, and a question was asked in the study we are doing, “How do you want to be known?”  I considered this question quite a bit, and though I really want to be known as the guy who is changing the way the world views health, I also want to be remembered as the guy who has sought and followed the will of God in my life.

I realized that I would have my kids think of me as that, more than the guy who fought against the marketing machine of healthcare lies.  I would like them to think of me as this incredibly compassionate and caring follower of Christ, more than a man who led people to life change (even if it saved their life).  To be known as the person who was available to everyone, vs the one who was well known in the CrossFit community for growing competition and fitness.

I realize that many of you, who have been with me for a long time, would probably say that I am doing that.  Some might think that my commitments are to all of these things.  But we are so good at self analyzing, and finding opportunities to improve our efforts, and I am no different.  My mission is, and has been for years, “To Change the way the World perceives health, while showing honor and respect to God and my family”.

It is a good mission, and I am confident that it is my calling, that right now, I am where I am supposed to be.  But I want to be sure that I continue on that path.  And so I am writing this Sprout, because I want to be sure that YOU are on the right path.  Have you considered God’s calling in your life?  I don’t mean a job, but I mean the question…

“How do you want to be known?”

The question comes out of an Andy Stanley message from 2007, and he answers it with some very focused and specific ideas.  To be known as an incredible leader is one that I felt compelled to add to my list.  So how do you want to be known?  When people consider you, do they know you as you would hope?

We talk about stress because it is a killer, it destroys you over time.  One great source of stress, is to live in day in and day out, without feeling that you are achieving purpose.  In Bruce Wilkinson’s book, The Dream Giver he first describes this mundane existence of going to work, coming home, watching TV, going to bed, then repeating it all again.  The story leads us to know another person in this town who chooses to change his life, and is met with scrutiny and malice from his friends.

This might not seem like a stressful life, but the slow build up of feeling like there is something more in life, not feeling complete.  This is a nagging stress.  I hope that today’s sprout leaves you with some questions, and perhaps will help you find some renewed passion for your direction!  Be well, Be blessed – Dr. E