"If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead, either write things worth reading, or do things worth writing"
- Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin crafted this quote at the age of 32 in Poor Richard's Almanac. He realized quickly the importance of the legacy we leave.
I often talk with various dads that struggle with how they will be remembered by their family, will they leave their mark on this world before they are gone, or how can they leave something in this world that the next generation will benefit from.The best way that I have found to sum up the answer to that question comes from the quote by Benjamin Franklin above.
One of my favorite things to do is to go back and look through the thoughts, memoirs, papers, speeches, sermons, etc. of those who were instrumental in founding our nation. The reason I do that is the people during that time had an incredible opportunity to leave their mark and impact a country for generations to come. Many of whom did this in their thirties.
When I go back and read the founders documents I am challenged greatly because these men were essentially my age and establishing an entire country separate from one of the largest world powers at the time. When people can accomplish that in one life and at that age, it is worth reading their thoughts! (The Patriot's Reference is one of the best compilations I have found if you are interested in that stuff)
These were men who were sold out to the concept of writing things worth reading or doing things that were worth writing about. I challenge us with the same thought. Think and write things that are worth reading and sharing or get out and do something that is worth writing about over your life time and make sure God gets the glory for it! It is a fun and exciting way to think and live and it doesn't always have to be something large it just has to be meaningful.
I pray that our students that graduate Shiloh Christian School will take hold of those words and go out in the world and do things that are worth writing about and give God the glory for it!
Lead NWA well this week!
- Dr. Keith McDaniel
