How do we leave behind something worth remembering?

Oftentimes in life, we concentrate our efforts on paying the next bill, dealing with a loved one’s problems, or chasing the next goal.

I recently saw a meme of a man in three stages of life pursuing money flying through the air: In the first, he has none; in the second, an armful; and in the final, an enormous amount clutched in his arms. But that third panel shows a cliff with a sign: ‘The End.’ He’s reached his goal—and the end of life.

While this is simple commentary, for many it’s true. In the meme, no children or spouse stand with him, so I assume he ran alone.

As someone who’s done the same, this can be a stark awakening: We’ve wasted our lives chasing elusive dreams, clutching at meager successes—power, money, or things we see as prizes.

But is there a way to run that race—even alone—and leave something that outlasts us, giving meaning to our efforts?

I think of people in ministry: D.L. Moody influenced Billy Sunday, who inspired Billy Graham—all rooted in the Word of God. Their work endures through the millions they touched, and the millions more reached in turn. We may not trace the seed of faith we encounter back to Moody or even the twelve disciples, but it still has impact. Those who carried it forward left something worth remembering.

For history lovers, we wander through museums, castles, and old homes named after long-ago philanthropists who built in stone to endure. We glimpse their lives through artifacts, staring into paintings or photos to capture their essence. Sometimes, a story inspires: how someone who died with millions started as an orphan or street waif and rose through hard work. These tales encourage us to improve our own lives. They might have left their money to family or causes that changed others’ worlds, creating a memory beyond their time.

Are they aware? Some believe they watch from heaven. I think once we cross over, old things pass away; while we await loved ones, God shifts our focus beyond the earthly realm.

None of us is promised tomorrow, but we have today. Use it to make a positive impact—through service, mentoring, or giving away accumulated wealth. To see the change, create it now. Touch hearts with your time, knowledge, and gifts; change worlds one person at a time.

This is the only way to leave something worth remembering. One person a day adds up over a lifetime. Go out and change the world!