Legacy LettersSample

Let’s be honest: Growth isn’t always easy. It pushes us out of our comfort zones. It reveals areas we’d rather ignore. It demands that we change—even when change is scary. . . .

Accomplishing goals, no matter how challenging they might be, mainly requires perseverance. Growth, however, requires courage. Courage to face your weaknesses. Courage to ask for feedback. Courage to try again after you fail. And courage to let go of things that once worked but no longer serve who you are becoming.

Courage is also necessary to be vulnerable and humble, willing to ask for help and aware that everyone can teach you something. This posture of humility and eagerness to learn will serve you for a lifetime.

Over the years I’ve learned from pastors, business leaders, volunteers, friends, and especially my kids. If you want to know how much you’re growing, ask the people closest to you. Ask your spouse, your team, your mentors. Growth always shows up in your relationships.

You also grow most in the areas where you are already gifted. That may sound counterintuitive, but it’s true. You don’t become great by spending all your time fixing weaknesses. You become great by building on your strengths. . . .

Find what you do well and do it more.

Sharpen it. Study it. Stretch it.

That’s where you’ll add the most value, because growth doesn’t stop with you. The best leaders grow themselves so they can grow others. That’s true of anyone who makes it their mission to serve others and try to leave this world better than they found it. At Church of the Highlands, we intentionally built a culture of feedback. We believe everyone can get better, and we help each other do just that.

Growth is also how you leave a legacy. The people you influence, the lessons you model, the example you set—these are the things people remember. Your kids won’t remember all your accomplishments. They’ll remember your consistency, your humility, your teachability.

Growth isn’t glamorous. It’s daily, quiet, and many times unseen.

But growth changes everything.

Prayer

Father, I want to grow and improve so that I can better fulfill Your purpose for me. Please be at work in me, give me strength and courage, and allow others to see You through me. Amen.