LEGACY

I have been deeply involved in the growth of a Radio Controlled Airfield in Northern CA for the past few years and beginning to see some exciting growth! While most of the members are retirement age, we realize that, like many organizations, it will soon fade away if we don’t invite the next generation to share this hobby and passion. This past year we started a brand new Division for the Youth: The MAVRIX— A Youth-Led and Youth-Empowered RC Flight Club.

We found two young men (age 13 and 17) who are leaders and pilots to take this on with 100% support to create events, swag, do training, and provide a place for the kids to grow in the field of aeronautics by starting with RC Airplanes.

It has been a pure joy to see the young leaders rise to the challenge and literally blow us away with their passion and energy for this group. Our first official meeting was this past weekend and was well-attended and a pure success; way beyond what we hoped! The kids were alive and flying and the old timers were delighted and smiling from ear to ear. We were all on a huge adrenaline high watching our dream take wings and soar in the hands of the young leaders. We were happy and exhausted by the end of the day- victorious and inspired! It got me thinking about LEGACY.

We spend our lives building our dreams but what do we leave behind? The next generation can take it even farther if we will make room for them and let them join in….perhaps in their own unique way! #sorewarding

I’m always making ART and currently collecting images for my book on trees: “The Life Lessons and Wisdom Rooted in the Art of Trees”. When I saw this image, I immediately thought about LEGACY.

When we get tall and gnarled, weathered and ragged from the storms of life, it’s time to make room for the next season. Actually, our primary job (and joy) should be to raise up the next generation. We know what to do and how, but may not even have the energy and zeal on some days to keep going after it. (certainly not like we did in our youth!) The young ones have the passion and drive and, “Whoa~ yeah, let’s GO!” attitude- open to every possibility! They are like young saplings that are springing up, eager to reach the sunshine and sprout past our towering trunks.

We lead the way and share our stories and scars, encouraging them to stretch and reach for the skies, but we must let them grow in their own way. As we fade away, room is made for them to branch out and fill in the landscape with needed shade. They are strengthened by our roots, sharing the nourished land from where we stood. Perhaps our roots are even decomposing now- giving new life and energy to the next generation. The life cycle continues and the young rise in strength as the old wood withers and rests…..

Nothing is wasted- the new life is fed by the remains of the past era.

We are the ones who have gone before, paving the way for the next generation to hopefully stand on our shoulders.

What legacy are we leaving for them? Rich deposits of wisdom, innovation, and encouragement, or rotting roots of bitterness and apathy?

Think about the young people in your life. Are you encouraging them and giving them opportunities? (or judging them for being different from the past generation?) Look for an opportunity to speak life over a young person and gift them with an approving smile.