Historic Island Park Pool in Fargo ND being remodeled and updated |
In the small community tucked away in the northwestern corner of North Dakota, the pastor was in the top five most influential people. Soon after settling in, my picture adorned the wall of pastors who had previously served the parish. Pride erupted inside of me which was greater than when I was chosen as the scholar/athlete as a high school senior. I only had verbal recognition along with my name and graduation year placed on a plaque with the prior recipients of the award. In the church basement I had an 8"X10" framed, color photograph. I was and would continue to be remembered!
The original St John's Hospital is recycled rubble |
At a recent graveside service, I noticed something unusual: human beings less than twenty years old. The trend is moving toward fewer people coming to cemeteries. Those that do have been receiving Social Security payments for years. The ripples radiating from acres of organic, fertile stories are barely noticed. What gets noticed are the polished stone benches, along with the solar powered luminaries. I am not upset by or bemoaning this reality. It is my observation. This observation along with numerous others have recast the aforementioned cannonball effect.
The common advice of: "Leave a legacy," "Make a difference," and "Leave the world better than you found it," all can be heard as a cryptic way of fostering fear. These phrases lightly cover the underlying fear of being forgotten. Realistically, I will be forgotten. I have no doubt been forgotten by many people already. A forty year old photograph, no doubt with its color fading, gets passed over along with all the other old pastors. What happens to the photos when the congregation dissolves? I have been involved with some church closings. Sure, give items to a museum or the regional archives. When was the last time you visited one of these places? Times change. Perspective change. Culture transforms and what is important gets redefined. As a history major, I find meaning in the stories of the past. Yet, I live in the reality of today.
Seasons come to an end |
Forcing someone to remember and appreciate the past is like forcing someone to like Swiss chard. If nothing gets brought from the past, life in the present will continue. The prophet Isaiah was insightful when writing, "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God continues." (40.8) I believe the word of God is life. Life lived fully in the moment. Life lived as a new gift to be unwrapped.
Instead of making waves, my plan is to simply slide through life like an otter entering the water. If there is a phrase I choose for today it is, "Leave no trace." I want to promote each person being free to explore, discover, and enjoy their journey in life unimpeded by me.
No splash necessary |
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