The Bridge Builder …

I have great admiration for those dedicated to helping others. Ultimately with the intention of leaving a legacy. I’m acquainted with many successful people who’ve earned a lot of money. 

God bless them. They’ve succeeded in their way. Importantly.

Accumulation of wealth is a good thing. “Giving $ back?” … even better. But obviously we all have so much more than our material wealth to pass on.

I’ve learned a lot over many years. Lived through what I call the “accumulation” phase. Made some money. Lost some money. Built a few businesses. Have an incredible family. Life coaching has been an indescribable blessing. The “accumulation” years? What do I mean?

Thoughts, ideas, learnings. Picking up a little wisdom along the way. I’ve “accumulated” a bunch of all this. Gifts really that have been birthed by life experience.

I think of Lincoln, Ghandi … more currently, Stephen Covey. All legacy builders. Great “accumulators.” Those who have left an indelible imprint on vast numbers of others. Left it on me.

I’m now in the “distributive” phase of my life. I think about the great leaders above and so many others who have lived in “distribution.” Understood that the gifts bestowed upon them must be shared, “distributed” to others … memorialized. Teach … encourage … help others to learn and grow. No greater calling in my mind. From “accumulation” to “distribution.” So natural if not always seen in this way. But realizing this has been my pathway to joy. My version of success.

I used to close speeches with the following. I offer it here without comment. I couldn’t make my message clear in any better way. How I feel about leaving a legacy. “The Bridge Builder” … Enjoy.

An old man, going on an old highway
Came in the evening cold and gray to a chasm,
Vast and deep and wide
Through which was flowing the sullen tide.

The old man crossed in the twilight dim.

The sullen tide had no fear for him.
But he turned when safe on the other side,

And he built a bridge to span the tide,

“Old man”, said a pilgrim near …

“You’re wasting strength in building here.
Your journey will end with the ending day
You never again must pass this way
You crossed the chasm deep and wide
Why build you this bridge at the even-tide?”

The builder lifted his old gray head,

“Good friend in the path I have come”, he said,
“There follows after me today, a youth whose feet must pass this way.  

This chasm which has not been naught to me
To that fair-haired youth, may a pitfall be
He too, must cross in the twilight dim,

Good friend, I’m building the bridge for him”.