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You are jumping to a lot of conclusions. I did not mention Christianity, nor did the OP.
lol. How you could interpret the original post as referring to anything besides Christianity is beyond me, although 'The Lord' might be an allusion to Krishna I suppose.
I've never been concerned about "making a difference." I use the skills I have to earn a living, obey laws, pay bills and taxes promptly, take care of my immediate family, and help others when they need something I am able to provide. If that's not enough for a reasonably well-lived life, then I give up.
Now, I do often look back and think, "Hmph, if I hadn't been so worried about getting in trouble/losing money/making an idiot of myself, I might have had a whole lot more fun, which is no longer even within my grasp."
Back to the topic announced in the thread title, the timing of the thread is a coincidence because just yesterday a former neighbor, much younger than I, got in touch with me through Facebook after loosing contact for a few years, asking me to call him. Background: I had taught him to ride motorcycles when he was about 13 (about 20 years ago) and had provided guidance about being responsible, etc.
I did call him and he told me he appreciates the major, positive influence I had on his life, an influence "bigger than you will ever know". He said his mother still asks about me and that she sent her good wishes. Of course that made my day.
Unless we are smart enough to cure some disease or invent a longer-lasting light bulb, which I am not, leaving a positive legacy by way of mentoring is about the best we can hope for.
Back to the topic announced in the thread title, the timing of the thread is a coincidence because just yesterday a former neighbor, much younger than I, got in touch with me through Facebook after loosing contact for a few years, asking me to call him. Background: I had taught him to ride motorcycles when he was about 13 (about 20 years ago) and had provided guidance about being responsible, etc.
I did call him and he told me he appreciates the major, positive influence I had on his life, an influence "bigger than you will ever know". He said his mother still asks about me and that she sent her good wishes. Of course that made my day.
Unless we are smart enough to cure some disease or invent a longer-lasting light bulb, which I am not, leaving a positive legacy by way of mentoring is about the best we can hope for.
Yes, that is how I feel about it.
My biggest responsibility was to be a decent, law-abiding person . . . and my second was to raise my children to be good folks. Of course, we don't always have total control over raising children - but we can do our best and at some point, it is up to adult children to do their best, as well.
Whatever good I have done by mentoring is probably my biggest contribution outside of family.
I was told by a dear friend about 20 years ago (who is older than I) that he worked his entire life to "make a difference" (he was in hospital management) . . . and he looks back and realizes that for a while, maybe the things he did were meaningful but that in the end, it really didn't matter that much and he wouldn't be remembered at all for any of those things. Life moves on. Employees move on. Technology moves on. So in the end, you might get your portrait hung on a wall somewhere, but people will rapidly forget. And at some point, the portrait will get shuffled to a back room . . . and no one will even know who "that guy" was, lol.
His point was - do what you love b/c it means something to YOU. And as far as legacies and what is meaningful in life . . . that will be with the few family members and friends you have loved and spent time with throughout your life.
When I was born no one said "Go forth and make a difference." I don't believe everyone is put on this Earth to serve a purpose but we all do in some way. Some small some big. We do what we do.
I was a mere bunch of cells randomly bunched together one night when my parents got frisky. I never felt compelled to change the World. I always figured as long as I went through life without hurting people, helping when I could and above all not being hypocritical I was doing okay.
I regret some stupid decisions I have made and am happy about others. When I leave this life some people will miss me for a few minutes most won't. Maybe those who do will think about me in the way I think about those who have gone before me and that is quite often. I hope so. It's the best I can hope for.
As I approach the last chapters of my time here on this planet, I don't ask myself "What have I accomplished in life?" I just think, "I have accomplished Life."
When I was born no one said "Go forth and make a difference.".......
When I was born, I am sure my parents must have wondered what I would accomplish with my life. I certainly was asked that question more than once by many people. I have always felt that just living and reproducing myself was a minimal accomplishment.
Now that I am retired, I can look back and know that I helped others as I advanced my life and career. Since I retired, I now look forward to making a difference outside of my prior career. I hope to continue making a difference on this earth. I also now have time to invest more in myself. I have an endless and ever growing list of things I want to learn, do and see. If I ever reach the point of not having a desire to accomplish anything and not having a desire to learn, well, that will be the time to dig the hole.
I feel sorry for those people who just go through life without a sense of purpose.
I often wonder just what I did with my life. Its so hard to believe I'm 60 years old Where did that time go? I feel more like I should be 40. Actually, people tell me I look like I'm in my 40's, so, maybe I can pretend to still be an active age!
I've had many health problems that have compromised my goals. I did the best I could, and am proud of my accomplishments, even though I wish they were more.
We did adopt a boy from an abuse and neglect background at the age of 2. I've written much about him on these forums, mostly negative. His background scarred him, and I feel I've been his only advocate at times. Unfortunately, he's not doing well. I'd like to say he turned into a clean-cut, well-adjusted young adult, but seems he's just one problem after another. Truthfully, I feel like a failure as a parent, but my job isn't through yet. I often think the adoption was misplaced, another parent would have been better for him, but we can't live backwards. I do feel I've instilled some values, some moral character in him that is yet to shape his true character.
What else have I done? Outside of a series of rescue cats, not much I can brag about. I now find myself looking at retirement communities, downsizing, empty-nest (we also have a daughter, who has since left home). I just don't feel we're ready to move into "God's Waiting Room" AKA retirement communities.
This thread will be interesting to read as it progresses. Just what have people done with their lives?
Wow! Thanks for all the really quick reps everyone. I didn't know if I was making my point but I guess I was. Thanks for understanding what I was trying to say.
I feel I accomplished a great many things and accumulated wealth beyond the comprehension of many.
I will be 67 soon and by working full time I am contributing to society because I pay my taxes.
My greatest wealth is my wife of 40 years and the children we raised that have college degrees and meaningful careers that enable them to pass on the wealth to future generations. As for my wife we recognize we are in it together for the long haul whatever happens.
Nobody in my extended family has ever had issues with drug abuse or law enforcement. Other than a speeding ticket (I am guilty here) nobody in the extended family has ever been arrested.
Approaching our late 60's my wife and I both enjoy reasonably good health and last week we went to the gym, Anytime Fitness, four times! We went Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and I will be going again this evening. Being able to go and walk 2 miles on the treadmill in 33 minutes (not a typo, this is 2 miles in 33 minutes, is a wealth nearly beyond the comprehension of many our age. To be sure I get a little winded and sweaty but I've seen people who would give anything to be able to walk 100 yards in 10 minutes without having to rest.
About Anytime Fitness and "Silver Sneakers", you should know I have no relationship with Anytime Fitness other than being a customer. You should know that many Medicare Advantage Plans offer free membership so if a gym sounds good to you you might want to check it out.
Our little house is paid for and financial situation allows us to save up to $1,500 to $2,000/month while doing anything we want to do. As I write this my wife is on a plane heading 800 miles to see the grandkids. She goes north every month or two.
We live a stress free life. I work because I want to not because I have to. If I lost my job tomorrow for some reason, fat chance of that happening, we'd be just fine and the only change would be I'd stick around the house to bug the wife and go with her to visit the grandchildren. Having the ability to live a stress free life with my wife is my greatest treasure.
Money? Who cares? Honestly, what difference does it make? Money is the least of my worries and money is something which should never used to measure the success of an individual. We've all known a number of rich people who failed miserably at things that really mattered.
If I hit the lottery for $300 million tomorrow does that make me anymore successful than I already am? As far as money we have enough to live very comfortably in retirement wanting for nothing. What else could I possibly wish for that I don't already have?
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Where did that time go? I feel more like I should be 40. Actually, people tell me I look like I'm in my 40's, so, maybe I can pretend to still be an active age!
