THINK ABOUT THE ANSWER

AN IMPORTANT QUESTION

LIFE CHANGING QUESTION

We are always being asked questions. But what about the questions that change our lives. 

I was once asked such a question as a young man. The question was asked one eventful day during a shift I worked as a student in my College. 

When I was a student, as part of my responsibilities, I had an opportunity to meeting several elderly men who where all unique in their own way, and some of these gentleman took a lot more care than others, and some were a lot grumpier than others. 

A lot of students, quite frankly, did not enjoy talking with these men and would try to avoid spending any more time there then they had to. On the contrary, I took the opposite tack attending to the talks of these men. 

Instead of just asking about my academics development, I spent a lot of time talking, learning, just good old give them attention beyond what they needed time. So, I became the main target of their pent up mental energy and honestly, I had a lot of fun spending my time with them. 

But, beyond establishing a great rapport with these men, there was one gentleman I spent a lot of time talking with. He wasn't at first appearance much different than the rest but he had a wicked sense of humor and a grand spirit about him

Life Changing Question

One day, after all necessary academics and leadership taks were done and I stayed with them, he called me over to his Office. At first thinking he was about to introduce the obvious topic's, I was ready. Instead, he beckoned me even close so he could obviously speak very quietly to me out of earshot of the other man. 

In a soft voice just above a whisper, he asked, . .

"What do you want to be remembered for after you die?" 

I was somewhat taken back thinking immediately that he was old  man, may be he got physical distress and required immediate medical attention. I quickly asked, "What's wrong? 

"No, no, no, nothing bad", he whispered. 

"I want you to think about just what I said. What do you want to be remembered for after you die? 

I Didn't Understand

"I don't understand what you are asking me". I said confused. 

"It really is a simple question but an important question. How do you want people to think of you when you die? Do you want to be known for your humor, for your caring, for helping people no matter who they are, or do you want to be remembered as a person of status, wealth, spending big money on a house, fancy car, long vacations or possessing big assets?"

I know I probably sounded like a babbling idiot to him at that time because I couldn't give him a well thought out answer at all. I still remember feeling uncomfortable because I had no clear answer to give. 

A Question Worth Thinking About

Over the years, we may all face this important question. It may be a question that comes to you because of a tragic circumstance, or it may come to you after you have observed or witnessed other people stepping up to many needed issues and taking on great odds to change societal obligations. 

It may be a question you ask in later years when you finally realize that you won't live forever. Or, it may also be a question that you may never want to ask yourself because you are too caught up in enjoying the materialistic side of life. 

Think About The Answer

Is it time for you to ask, "What do you want to be remembered for after you loose power, ability or die?"