Morning Devotional

April 20, 2004

"Making Your Mark"

by Don Emmitte

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Remember that in a race everyone runs, but only one person gets the prize. You also must run in such a way that you will win. All athletes practice strict self-control. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize. (1 Corinthians 9:24-25 NLT).

We have a bench on the porch of our dealership that has several wooden slats for the seat. It is quite old and has served as the repository of a history of the sales consultants of our store. Many years ago some of the sales staff decided to carve their names in the bench. I suppose it was their way of “leaving their mark.” I never thought much about it until last week when I noticed that some of the newer sales consultants had carved their names in the bench too.

I began to do some thinking about that and realized that most people I know DO want to somehow let the world know that they were here. I am not saying that carving your initials in a bench will accomplish that. There are many other ways to do that effectively. Some people may accomplish this by doing something wonderful for mankind, as discovering a helpful vaccine, or contributing a great collection of art, while others may draw attention to them self by committing an evil, such as in how Adolf Hitler is now remembered for his attempt to exterminate all the Jews of the world. Of course there are less impactful things to do that will leave our mark on society too.

Our time here on this earth is so short, isn't it? Being a dad to three young men I tend to reminisce quite often. Last night when Kyle sent me some new pictures of the grandkids I began to think that it seemed like just yesterday when I was holding him in my lap. Time seems to slip by so quickly. Today marks a special milestone in my son David’s life. He is going to close on his first home. Less than a year ago when he came home, starting his career, he planned to establish himself at work, save a little money, and find a home to buy and settle down. Well, the day has come. What a wonderful conclusion to his plan! He is beginning on his own now and will make a lasting mark of his own.

My hope is that I have left a mark on them that will produce positive things. There really can be no better way to leave a legacy. All of my sons have made me so proud to be their dad. In spite of the mistakes I may have made along the way, they have been able to develop truth and character in their lives. When people remark how much we look alike, I am very proud. But, when people say that we act alike, I am sobered in thinking that I had such an influence in their lives. What about you? What type of mark will others remember you for? It is never too late to turn your life around, and it is never too soon to reach out to God for direction. Begin to make your positive mark today!