Everyone of us has a legacy. Our legacy is what is left behind once we depart this earth. Many people when asked about legacy see it only in financial terms, such as "I am leaving my children and grandchildren with enough to have comfortable lives."
Recently, I had meetings with two men who are fairly generous. They are over 60 and, when asked about their mission or life goals, they were very unsure about what they should do. Hence, they don't invest their time and other resources with intensity or a plan.
The "legacy" question is right behind the "mission" question. I have been asking this question of (mostly) men 50 years old or older and getting these responses:
1. I never really thought about it - I guess to say that I lived a good and honorable life
2. To be known as someone who is kind and helpful, putting others' needs before my own
3. A wonderful marriage and children who know right from wrong
4. That people knew I was a Christian and lived my faith to the fullest
All of these are commendable, but they fall short of a mission or purpose that ties all this together. Without an idea of where we believe God is calling us, we cannot really answer the legacy question.
How can a development officer assist a donor-friend in this endeavor?
1. Pray that our friend is open to the Lord's leading
2. Connect them with an organization like http://www.halftime.org/ who helps people walk through these very questions
3. Ask ourselves whether we are doing what we do because of a call or vocational choice. How do we know? Would others agree that stewardship and discipleship are at the core of our being?
4. Love our donor-friends in ways that communicate that we are truly concerned about their total well-being, which includes helping them ask (and answer) "is that all there is?"
Lastly, remember to show grace to others as we ask these tough questions - we have witnessed the ultimate display of grace when we recognize what our Lord Jesus came to do for us.
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