With the ringing in of the New Year, I'm sure many of you are questioning, as am I ~ Why do I do what I do? Why do I sell Real Estate? And with the recent passing of my father in law, I find myself reflecting on my own father's passing only three years ago, and thus thinking about my Big Why. The Big Why that has unfolded and revealed itself to me over the past three years. The reason I get up every morning and face each day with the utmost optimism and enthusiasm. And the reason, that without my involvement with a company such as Keller Williams, I'm not sure would have been as clear to me.

Years ago when my father and mentor died in my arms suddenly, I couldn't necessarily put a finger on what I was filled with, it was something that was so overwhelming for me I couldn't speak it.

BUT... I can tell you what it wasn't.

It wasn't the need to satisfy my every whim, the need to get more stuff and fill the house & garage with toys & trinkets... they're so nice and new and shiny... and great to have, but they aren't the reason WHY ~ Surely not.

My father's passing was in November 2005 and my father in law passed away this New Year's day, and while goal planning we were asked to make a dream book. The coach suggested we cut out pictures of what we wanted, and paste them to our dream poster! The thought of spending even a moment of my day... when I could hug my child... or call a potential client even... to connect with someone. But to spend it cutting out a picture of a car or a boat... ugh. There's got to be more...

As more days were placed between my father's funeral and my present day... I begin to realise that the overwhelming feeling I was FILLED with was the deepest desire to leave a LEGACY, a legacy for my family, for my friends, hopefully for my colleagues and for individuals I've met even for just a moment.

We don't need a dream poster filled with cars and boats, cruises and spa retreats. By all means if you have a beautiful poster such as this... keep it, but when you get all of that, you will still want something more. That can not be as good as it gets. If there was a picture of a person truly filled with joy, it most likely is a person who has given something dear to them.

I know my father would be proud and truly joyous, as he has given so very much. I think as an adult to learn from your parent in life and in business, is such an amazing blessing. I have no choice but to do the same.

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such ... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an 'Atta boy' or 'Atta girl'
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough
To make a mark on things?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who
blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well travelled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well Done" good and faithful one...