When I served in the Army I was deployed on three combat tours. As part of the process we went through a series of administrative checks to ensure that we were ready to deploy. We received dental and medical screenings, reviewed our military records, were issued equipment, and received deployment briefings. Among the more macabre details of the Soldier Readiness Checks were the appointments to update our SGLI (Soldiers' Group Life Insurance) and wills.
The last thing I did before each deployment was to write letters to my family to say my last goodbyes if I did not return from combat. That simple task of writing those letters was one of the most emotionally challenging things I have ever had to do. These letters were meant to not only say goodbye, but also to impart one last piece of myself to my loved ones. To create my final legacy.
What would your last words to your loved ones be? What would you want to impart to this world when you die? What do you want people to say of you when you die?
At work, we recently participated in the Stephen Covey "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" workshop series. One of the first steps is to Begin With The End in Mind. In this step, we are asked to identify our most treasured values and develop a personal mission statement for the roles in our life. The idea is to create a compass that guides our steps. Once you identify what is truly important, you can begin to put first things first.
I have taken this to heart and began trying to craft my own personal mission statements for each of the major roles in my life. I found that due to some major personal struggles in my life I was unable to do so. I had writer's block because I think I had wandered from what was most important to me for such a long time. Today I would like to take time to complete those mission statements and get back on track.
First and foremost, I am a Christian man. I will always cling to the knowledge that I am a sinner, and that through my own actions I can never obtain any measure of righteousness. I will depend on God's grace daily. I will hold myself accountable and seek God's forgiveness when I stumble. Yet I will dispense forgiveness to those around me. I will continually seek God, and try to grow with Him in my daily walk. I will try to help others in their walk, and will not be afraid to witness to those around me whenever a door is opened. I will try to serve others through my vocation, my words, my friendship, and my time.
I am a Father. I will take the time to mentor my children and instruct them in my faith, in my values, and teach them the skills they need to be successful in life. When they err, I will be patient but stern. When they need encouragement I will give it. I will love them and will let them know in no uncertain terms that they are loved. I will help them pick themselves up when they fall. I will move mountains to provide for them.
I am a Patriot. I will always fight for my country and for the values that it was founded on, and I will pass those values on to my children. I will be an informed and involved citizen. I will hold my government accountable, even as they hold me accountable.
I am a Leader in my company. I will develop a world-class team who puts the patient first every moment of every day. I will invest myself in my team, and develop positive relationships with my customers. I will demand excellence of myself, and constantly strive to improve.
This is who I want to be. When all is said and done, this is how I want to be remembered. God help me to be that man.
