Finn randomly launched into wild COVID-19 facts a few days ago. He was spouting off things I never even imagined he knew or thought about. "How do you know all this?"
"I read it in a history book. I love reading history books!"
First, whoa, it's hard to believe COVID is "history." I knew it would be someday, but wasn't that season of our culture about 37 minutes ago? Time flies! Second, it's pretty cool that my little man digs history books so much.
We talked about the types of history he enjoys and why. Then, I thought it was a great time to introduce an adjacent topic. "You know, bud, one of the reasons I write my blog is so that someday you can have it as a history book of who your dad was and what your life was when you were little."
His eyes lit up, and the questions started flowing. How much is out there? How can he read it? Where does it live? Will it be there forever? What happens to it when I die? Do I mention him much? How many people read it? Why do people even care about it? (Ouch, that one was violent!)
In a lot of ways, I'm writing a history book, one page per day. Life is happening all around me, and each time I hit publish, a story gets cemented into time.
You're writing a history book, too! Every day you get out of bed and engage with the world, stories are being written (whether literally or figuratively). Perhaps you don't obsess about this idea of leaving something to those who will come after you, but perhaps I can tease your interest.
There's something so special about having artifacts from a time you can't get back or never knew. Someday, my kids will hopefully unearth a treasure trove of goodies that they can enjoy for the rest of their lives. I suspect those who come after you would love the same. Leave your mark. Share your stories. Turn the fleeting into forever. I don't know what that specifically means in your life, but with a little creativity, you'll surely find your way.
Give a gift that's truly priceless. Write your history book.
____
Did someone forward you this post? We're glad you're here! If you'd like to subscribe to The Daily Meaning to receive these posts directly in your inbox (for free!), just CLICK THIS LINK. It only takes 10 seconds.