My Legacy- To Love You

   

The photo wall next to my bed. It reminds me of how rich my life really is. 

 I sat and watched as these "troubled students" knock their heads back, befuddled by the question I had just posed. It was my second day as their teacher and I felt that it was incredibly important for me to understand the root of these students' desires. They're in my class generally because they struggle to stay on top of their work. A handful of them experiment with drug use, many of them have no support at home, there are those that experience depression, anxiety, and of course they each suffer from "being a teenager" (Ugh! We've all been there...)  They have failed classes in the past and are now barely keeping their heads above water.
       It's a fairly difficult job: Get the students who don't know how to, or don't care to succeed, to, well... succeed. I asked the students to stop what they were doing and sit in a big circle with me. I explained we would be spending the first bit of class getting to know each other. The girls seemed interested while the boys as if it was a ridiculous idea. I started with a simple question of what their favorite color was and we all answered. The person to my right had to ask the next question, and so forth until we had each asked one question and answered many. I loved watching the awkwardness melt away as they found points of connections with their peers. It finally came back to me and I asked the final question, "What do you want your legacy to be?"
       It's something that's been weighing heavily on my mind for a while now. Recently a friend from my own junior high years unexpectedly passed away, and then almost immediately following my neighbor and youth leader also returned to our Father in Heaven. I've listened as friends and family  recited memories of them. I've seen their Facebook pages flooded with kind words. I have even seen news articles dedicated to the impact that they have had on the world. I've almost been haunted by the question, what is my legacy?
      I started with my answer so the students would get that I was serious about the question. I told them that I wanted people to be able to say that I made them feel so loved, that I was a best friend to everyone I met. I heard many unique and touching answers. I had them write it down and hang it on the wall so they could remember that they didn't have to settle for being the trouble maker, class clown, or punk kid.
      My heart is changing. We are more than our weaknesses or bad moments. As I watch people leave my life I become a more forgiving, positive person. These relationships always seem to matter even that much more once they are gone. It's unfortunate that I don't always celebrate our relationships in the moment. However, realizing this has made it easier to develop the legacy I so desire to have. I'm surrounded by incredible examples and the kindest hearts. I love each of you. Your legacies inspire me. Your life matters to me. Your potential astounds me. I love you, so much.

       I'm grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It helps us maintain an eternal perspective. It requires us to grow. It teaches us to love. It reminds us of who we really are, children of God.