This is the unvarnished truth: that everyone and everything will one day go away. One day the chair you sit upon, the bed you sleep in, and everyone who you love and who loves you will go away and never return. But you will not allow thoughts of this nature to disturb the order and predictability of your world. When reminded of the temporary nature of reality, you quickly change the channel on your thoughts, for who wants to dwell on loss when there is work to be done? But you see, even the work that you call "mine" will come to an end. And what will be left of you-what will be your legacy? Will you be remembered for anything, and if so, what? Maybe you will be remembered by your friends and family, though briefly, but then they will have their work and daily lives to attend to, and day upon day your memory will fade until you are nothing but a distant memory. And when they are gone, who will remember them? You may take me for being unnecessarily morose, but the fact remains that most people will never stop to consider what their legacy will be until it is too late. And I do not mean what will people say about you—that is meaningless because it is only one person's opinion, which is subjective. No, I mean, what are you leaving behind for future generations? And if your answer is money, while it is the most common form of inheritance, it will be gone quicker than anything. The money will be spent in a hurry, and you will be forgotten. The inheritor will appreciate you for leaving it, but it has no meaning for society as a whole, other than your intended care and concern for your loved ones.
Why is this important? Because you do not want to be asked what you did for others or how you improved the world by being in it and not have an answer. You can bet that you will be asked this question, and your answer better be a good one. You do not need to be famous to make a difference. Fame has nothing to do with good works. It is less important who you were in life ("I was Frida, the great painter") than what you accomplished with the talents and time you had. If you were given much, much will be expected of you. If you were wealthy, how did you use that money to benefit others? If you could build houses, or fix plumbing, or repair cars, how did you use your skill to help somebody? Everyone is asked the same question because you are a steward, whether you know it yet or not. Christ said: You are given coins and the master goes away. When he returns he asks, "How did you use the coins I gave you?" Even Christ wanted you to think about this matter of stewardship (Matt 20: 1-16). Because, though it may not seem like it, a human birth is one of the biggest boons. Animals are not able to reflect on their existence like a human can, and they do not know that they are in relationship with a higher power. Animals follow their instincts and do not dwell on matters of spirituality, philosophy, and psychology. They do not have the ability to be self-aware in the same way a human can consider their behavior and choices. Therefore, being the top of the food chain with the largest intelligence means that you have a responsibility to self-reflect. You were given so many abilities that other mammals do not have. In the afterlife you will give an account for how you used them.
At this point you may be feeling slightly uncomfortable because you are not sure what your answer would be, because you have not given it much thought, and that is OK. Today you are looking at this subject so you can get clear on the issue. Ask yourself: have you ever helped other people? If so, how? It does not matter who it is you helped, or whether you were paid for it-help is help. If you helped a grandparent pull weeds, that counts. If you cook for your family, that counts. If you take good care of a pet, that counts. If you wish to see all the ways that you have been helpful, make a list and you may be surprised at the many ways you used your talents in service to others. After this exercise you may be feeling better about that question. Most people do not give themselves enough credit for all the ways they pitch in and get the job done.
If you are not able to help out due to a disability as I had, then how are you exercising your artistic abilities, or using your brain or hands in some fashion to make the world a better place? Everyone can do something! You are not in competition with anyone else; each person's situation is different. What you can do your neighbor cannot. Do not compare yourself with someone else because you are not them, and they are not you. If it seems that your talents have been under-utilized, perhaps it is time to see where you can get plugged in. You will feel better when you are contributing to your fullest. If you are retired, it is understandable that your gifts are not being utilized as they once were. Instead of returning to work, find an organization that needs volunteers and give them a little of your time. In this way you are still pitching in and getting the job done.
I hope you will take to heart what I am saying, because at some point, probably sooner than you think, it will be your turn to explain how you invested your time.
With Love,
Frida