What stays When you Leave

One hymn that often acts as a reality check for me is "Only Remembered." The words go like this:

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"Shall we be missed though by others succeeded,

Reaping the fields we in springtime have sown?

No, for the sowers may pass from their labors,

Only remembered by what they have done."

Refrain:Only remembered, only remembered, Only remembered by what we have done; Thus would we pass from the earth and its toiling, Only remembered by what we have done.

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This hymn pops up mainly at funerals, but its message goes beyond those moments. It urges us to think about the legacy we'll leave behind.

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I first really paid attention to this hymn back in my undergrad days, reflecting on what mark I wanted to leave on the world. It wasn't about fame or fortune but about being remembered for the impact I've made.

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This realization gave my daily work meaning. I made sure to leave my mark in every workplace, treating each project as if it were my own. When I left QuickCheck, people were surprised—they thought I owned the place! Even years later, they still talk about my work. Your legacy is about what you leave behind.

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Legacy isn't just about having kids who carry your name; it's about making a meaningful contribution. It's about leaving footprints in the sands of time, ensuring your actions echo beyond your years.

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So, I ask you: What stays when you leave? Every day, strive to show up as the person you'd like to be remembered, whether as an employee, a business owner, or in any other role. It all adds up in the end.

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Nenye Patrick