Weekly Thought – April 18, 2023
Fred often crafted his own word usage. This week’s message demonstrates one of his favorites: “residue.” Despite its current negative connotation, Fred used it to describe legacy. Rather than a sludgy deposit, he employed it to describe what we leave behind when we die.
Leaving Good Behind
As a young man I thought much about what I wanted to leave behind when I died. Growing up as the son of a pastor in the mill district of Nashville, I had no social position, no accumulated wealth, and not even a college education. But I knew I had been given talents and skills which it was my job to develop. One day I walked into a cemetery and studied the tombstones. After awhile I sat down on a bench and considered what I wanted on my own when the time came. “He stretched others” were the words that came to mind. I didn’t know how that would set a direction for my life, but I knew that was the aim.
The question is: “What residue do I want to leave when I go?” What future activities should I engage in to achieve this? For me this meant investing in individuals, not institutions.
Once I was introducing Ray Bolger at the Convention Center in Las Vegas. To prepare I went to “catch his act.” It was one of the most touching, philosophical dance numbers I have ever seen. He came on stage alone with the orchestra out of sight in the pit. He paid homage to the greatest dancers of all time by demonstrating snippets of their famous routines. For example, he danced up steps like Bill Robinson; and jumped from one surface to another like Fred Astaire. Then in a dim light he very poignantly said, “Each of the greatest left a little something on the floor.”
They were unique, leaving a residue of their art. Suddenly and silently the lights went out and a pencil-point spot picked up a lone stool sitting on the stage. On top of the stool were Ray Bolger’s shoes. His voice sounded, “When I go I would like to leave a little something on the floor.” Of course, the audience broke out in applause. He was saying what we all hope secretly – to leave a residue of life for others to follow.
This week carefully consider: 1) What do I want to leave behind? 2) How well will I finish? 3) Who can I help think through the importance of legacy?
Words of Wisdom: “What residue do I want to leave when I go?”
Wisdom from the Word: “O LORD, your name endures, your reputation, O LORD, lasts.” (Psalm 135:13 NET Bible)