On January 25, 2022 a man named Duane King passed away. Some reading this knew him, some didn’t, but we all could work to live and be more like him. After two days of processing the loss and encouraged by what he was now experiencing I wrote the following raw and unedited words very early in the morning of January 27. Here are those words, still raw and unedited. My prayer is that a thought here will prompt you to think of those who have left a legacy in your life and encourage you on your journey. Those that leave a legacy do not live their lives or leave this life without it making an impact.
I am thinking/reflecting about LEGACY and the life of Duane King. As I turn 60 years old in a few months what will mine be?
What is legacy?
- Is it knowing in your heart that what other people see is who you really are at all times?
- Is it giving yourself and abilities to something bigger than yourself? A God sized dream?
- Is it giving to and and doing something that will outlast you?
I believe, check that, I know that Duane could answer yes to all of those questions and he would do so humbly and with a huge smile.
Can I? Am I?
Duane would have been the first non family member man to hold me after I was born. He and Peggy (his wife) loved me like their own. They made you feel like it.
The death of people that we know and love makes us (should make us) evaluate where we are personally and what we are doing with our life. The more I processed this and evaluated it the more I realize that the long term is truly what matters.
What legacy am I leaving and living?
People that leave a legacy don’t wake up and say “I’m making my legacy today.” They get up, love and serve those around them as Christ loves them. Legacy is not built as a goal it is built by how we live moment by moment, interaction by interaction, day by day. Legacy is not the goal. The goal is serving every day. The right way. God’s way. Duane wanted nothing more than to make sure you knew that God’s way was the right way.
Thank You Duane for smiling, laughing, always caring and showing us a better way through it all. You were a man and a leader of vision but always with incredible follow through. Your laugh and your love were contagious and warm. I was better after every interaction and conversation that I had with you.
Can/Will this be said of me?
Can/Will this be said of you?
Leave a legacy day by day.
Life moves on today and we move on honoring those who have helped us along the way. Honor them by how we live, love and serve today.
Be Blessed!
Made For This Moment 