Who we are and how we live will be remembered by some. Think about it. Some may not even remember you existed. Will that matter to you? Well. It matters to me.
We try to live up to our reputation, even when it becomes sullied and we are castigated for sin or crime. We attempt to return to what we once were at a personal level. Depending on what created the most stress for us, we may find it an impossible task.
It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.
If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.
~Warren Buffett
Solomon wrote about this from a unique perspective. Several times.
A good name is better than precious ointment,
And the day of death than the day of one’s birth;
Ecclesiastes 7:1 NKJV
Think about it like this. A precious ointment is only good when applied, but its scent eventually disappears. The name and remembrance of someone may last a generation or two. It depends on who’s talking! But we still quote the likes of Plato, who lived 2,500+ years ago! Someone recorded his words and shared his story. Through the scrolls of time, we find wisdom in his words.
We read and study Job, whose story is as old as the book of Genesis. At least, those who know the original languages better than I state that its phrasing is even older than Moses.
We’ve recently lost loved ones. Their fresh memories will last only if the telling of their lives is good. It will depend upon them and the storytellers of their lives. Dare I call the storyteller a fan? Sure. Why not!?!!
Remembered Is Better Than Never Recalled
The longer you are out of school, the scarier this exercise may be. Go through your High School Annuals. You know, those picture storybooks that told of your school year. You proudly autographed and let others sign yours in I-N-K!????! Read what they said about you and their memories.
Now, ask yourself. Do you think they remember your today? Are you the same person you were to them back then? Did you live up to their expectations?
A good character is the best tombstone.
Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you
when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.
~Charles Spurgeon
Create another exercise that is just for you. List those who have impacted you, and write a synopsis of their value to you. As you start this list, you will probably remember others who have disappeared over time, and their impact was minimal or even negative. Finally, flip the exercise to define your value to others. What do you have to say about yourself?
There comes a time when all we know is what we are to ourselves, and to those that matter the most. The true character is how you treat someone who has no power over you. The telling tale of your life will be your character and not a reputation that rises and falls like the tide. Your character will tell it all.
Be more concerned with your character than your reputation,
because your character is what you really are,
while your reputation is merely what others think you are.
~John Wooden