Brenda’s Blog – December 13, 2016
“Live for what outlives you.”
Bill McKenzie, founder of Pine Cove Christian Camps, used these words as the title of his recent book. Others advise us to plant oak trees or invest in mission activities. The underlying principle is living well by investing in efforts which endure longer than your own life span.
A friend told me she is convinced grandparents and even great-grandparents who didn’t know her prayed before she was born. I agree. “Paying it forward” is a common phrase we use to consider ways to bless others who have done nothing for us. I prefer “praying it forward.” By praying for the lives of my grandchildren, their future mates, faith walks, and children I am participating in the generational connection.
Taylor University names their buildings after great people of faith rather than using them as “naming opportunities” for large donors. They certainly appreciate those who contribute to the financial well-being of the school, but they made the decision to reserve prominent nomenclature for those who served the Lord and the Body of Christ wholeheartedly, regardless of financial support. In this way, Taylor honors those who gave their lives to something which undoubtedly outlived them.
When we grew up we were urged to spend money on deposits into the memory bank, not just things which would soon lose their meaning. Wise counsel (although not always appreciated by materialistic teens!). My parents are both gone now, but the memories last. They knew how to build up an account which would outlive them.
What are you doing to establish a project that will outlive you? What deposits are you making into the lives of those yet to come? How can you join Bill McKenzie in living for what will surely outlive you?