Have you ever just wandered around a cemetery and glanced at the writings on headstones?
The majority read beloved father, son, mother or daughter.
I always pause at the stones that have no more written on them than a name and dates.
It makes me wonder, were they not beloved during their lifetime? Or, did they live their lives in a non-admirable manner?
I’m sure there are many explanations as to why there were no words added to those headstones. But it does bring to light one very important issue. Are we living our lives in such a way that people will remember us with fondness and think “Hey, I’m going to miss him or her,” and “He was a giving person with no thought of reward for himself.”
I work every day to be the best person I can. Do I fail at times? Yes. Do I learn from my mistakes? Sometimes.
There are many ways we can set a good example for our families and community.
Be the men and women that your children look up to. Raise them to be fine citizens.
Many community members are remembered for their volunteer work helping their fellow man.
Don’t be the person that drags your community down with negativity, be the uplifting and unifying voice that brings all elements of a city together.
No one is perfect and this world is not perfect.
We have to take the good along with the bad.
However, it is up to each of us to strive to be good and decent people and maybe one day this world will be full of more good than bad.
In closing, be the person people will acknowledge on the street, not the one they run away from in order to avoid conversations.
Live your life in a way that inspires people to mirror your actions and be remembered for the positive and meaningful influence you had on the world around you during your time on this Earth.