What's Your Legacy?

This past week at school was Spiritual Life Week. This being my first year, I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

Chapel every morning?
Speakers talking about unity?
Will my second graders get it?
Really?

Yes, yes, yes, AND yes!


 Now that the week has come and gone, I can only say WOW! (oops! Sorry... strike that word from my vocabulary- insert amazing).

Every chapel began with praise and worship. And yes, they sang. Brought joy to my heart and tears to my eyes (remember I am over 40 and those hormones have a way of making one's eyes tear up quite quickly and easily). I love hearing children's voices praising the Lord.

The goal of the week was to help our students understand  that real winners build up others, not tear them down with words and actions. Four talented men of God brought it down to terms that the youngest student could comprehend.

The final speaker on Friday wrapped it all up beautifully. He used the life of Jeremy Lin, Bill Gates, and Walt Disney to emphasis people remember you by what you do and did in your life. They will either remember whether you were an  encourager or a destroyer.

Afterwards, back in our class, we discussed this idea. Out of the blue, Max stated, "Mrs. Dingus, its like your friend Vangie."

Now if you were blessed to know Vangie Hughes you are already putting it all together. For the rest of you, stick with me.

Vangie recently lost her physical battle to remain here on earth. She instead stood victorious before her Lord and Savior. During her last days here on earth, many of my students, and their families, were praying for her. They had never met her but because it was important to their teacher, it was important to them. I shared how Vangie had the unique ability to encourage and support the people God brought into her life. She gave amazing hugs and you knew you were loved.

Even in death her legacy is teaching a generation, a population, she never met. How amazing is that?

I felt loved and accepted in the presence of Vangie.
Vangie prayed every morning, "Make me a blessing to someone today."

Am I a blessing to those around me?
Do my family, friends, coworkers, students, parents, strangers feel loved and accepted by me?
Do they see the joy from loving and being loved by the creator flowing out of my heart, my soul, ......my mouth?

How about you? Take a minute, think about it. What will be most remembered about you upon your death?

Thought provoking, isn't it?