I have learned that life is more about the relationships that we build than the things we do. My grandfather sends me lots of letters. I love opening the mailbox to see and envelope from him. In a letter he wrote a few months ago he talked about how he is getting old and knows that his body is preparing to die. In reflecting on this knowledge, he said he realizes that he will really leave nothing behind but memories. He expressed to me a hope that the memories he leaves will be positive ones, rather than negative, and that the memories will be valuable enough that people will actually remember him beyond his funeral.
I began thinking about this more deeply, and it has not left me. Sure, my job is important. My education is equally, if not more critical. Eating healthy and exercising, getting enough sleep, grocery shopping, laundry and all of those other things on our to-do list are also important. But what really matters is the relationships that we develop. Because those create memories. Those create an impact.
My grandpa fears that when he goes, no one will mind - that nothing he has done has really made a lasting impact. I worry about that too. And I'm convinced that everyone else has felt that at some point in their lives as well.
In trying to make relationships a higher priority, I have had to open myself up to people more. I am not perfect at it by any means. But I am investing more in others. Sometimes this gets me hurt - that's what happens when we open ourselves up to people. It isn't always received as we hope. But that's okay because it means we're trying.
I'll be honest. As I have invested more of myself into people, I have at times, felt taken advantage of. Sometimes I feel used. But there are moments that are worth all of it. Because eventually someone says "thank you" or "I was thinking about you" or "can you give me some advice" or "I need someone to talk to", and those moments mean everything to me. They are worth more than my paycheck, or that GPA, or the laundry and dishes being finished before one in the morning.
So I want to share with you a video that inspired me. I hope that it will inspire everyone to invest a little more into those around them.
I promise that as we invest more into the lives of others, our lives will be enriched. We will have more confidence, less loneliness, more love and greater peace. I have felt it in my life.
