Usually in the latter part of life, people begin thinking about their mortality and the mark they will leave behind in the world once they're gone. It’s definitely a subject worthy of our thought and consideration. But, taking into account the times we live in, I think it will do our generation a world of good to begin to considering our legacy early. When you think about what you want your life to impart to those in your sphere of influence - i.e. family, friends, coworkers - it's never too early to begin that impartation. The Word of God makes it clear that we don't know what the next day will bring (Proverbs 27:1). Each day should be lived out with that in mind.

People are often won to, encouraged in, and even dissuaded from our testimony of Christ. This doesn't just mean the things our mouths say of the Lord, but what our lives say of Him. I don't believe Christ expects our perfection, but He does expect our willingness and discipline in being as close of a reflection of Him as we can. That golden thread of His Word, His grace and His love should be carefully woven all through the tapestry of legacy that we leave behind. What will our brothers and sisters say of the Lord because they knew us? What will our boss and colleagues say of the Lord because they knew us? Our children? Our friends? Our enemies?

Our generation doesn't need to wait for a certain age to think of the future. We don't have to travel to far places with cultures unlike our own to begin to spread the Gospel of Christ*. You can be a missionary for the Truth of Christ right where you are right now. This place is your mission field. Now is when the construction of your legacy begins. Build well.

*I'm not knocking missionaries at all!! The Great Commission makes it clear that all of us are called. Some are called to other countries and sometimes the ones left at home feel they don't have the same responsibility. Whether at home or abroad, we must share Christ.

Shari Grant is a Registered Nurse in South Florida, where she was raised in a (very!) Jamaican home. Some of the loves of her life are words (both reading and writing them) and missions work. She enjoys spending time with friends and family while living for a good laugh - one that makes her belly ache and her eyes water. Her bottom line goal in life is to make the Lord smile and maybe even serve Him up a chuckle from time to time, too.