Jan 08 2009
The Need to Leave a Mark on the World
When I was a child and people would ask me what I wanted to do or to be when I grew up, one of my common answers was to say, “I want to invent something.” I didn’t have any idea what I wanted to invent then. I don’t have any idea what I want to invent now. But I still want to invent something.
The reason for this goal, I have since come to realize, is that I want to leave something behind on this earth after I leave it behind me for whatever may exist beyond my time here. The need to be important in the world exists for most of us, I’m sure. After 50, the need may become an obsession as we realize we are not immortal. There is a time limit to this whole wild, crazy experience we call life. And, to coin a common cliche, “It’s later than you think.”
I spend a lot of time chasing myself around in circles trying to leave that mark on the world. I don’t think I’ve done anything, up to this point in time, that is particularly note-worthy. Beyond a few friends and family members, I can’t imagine who will remember me at all a few years after I’m gone.
I am disturbed by this. I don’t know what to do about it, if anything. I try to do the best I can at my job, in my home, in my marriage and in the world in general. Sure, I’m a good person, whatever that means. But, I’m quite sure there has been nothing up to this day that will earn me a place in the history books, in my community or even as a byline on a blog.
As the new year begins, I find the urge to “Make my Mark” to be greater in me than ever. Have you made your mark yet? Do you think you ever will? Do you have any idea what making your mark might entail? I would love to hear your answer to any of those questions.
