I was studying my morning devotion today, and a phrase caught my attention: Leave every place better than you found it.
How do I want to be remembered?
The author shared her experience of releasing her apartment to some people who came for a vacation. Since she would be away for a while, she decided to show kindness. When she returned after a few days, she was surprised. The whole room was cleaner than it was. It wasn't like her home was a mess before, but she noticed the difference and how they didn't mishandle her apartment. They left it even cleaner and arranged than it was.
If there's one thing I have always wanted and wished for whenever I am in a place, it is to be remembered for something impactful. I don't want to leave a particular place, and they won't feel the impact or see a difference. When I hear people talk about it, I feel grateful and fulfilled. My aunt used to say that if we visit a place and when we leave, the owners should wish we didn't go.
Arriving in the city where I served my beautiful country, I thought of what to do there. First, I love children, and fortunately, the area I stayed in had so many kids around. I made friends with them and would always come out at night to play and tell them stories. The children would show up at my door, and I would gladly open it for them to come in.
Weeks later, I noticed one of the children was struggling with his academics. His mom shared it with me, and I volunteered to be his lesson teacher at home. It began with her two boys, and they kept growing, as every kid wanted me to teach them lessons at my place. I didn't bill them much, as I told the parents, whatever they had, they should give me. It was something I needed to do. I wanted to make a difference during my time in the town, and not waste a year doing nothing. I would surely regret it if I didn't do that.
Weeks later, the parents of the boys came to appreciate me and shared the testimony of how one of their boys was now doing fine. He couldn't read sentences before, but when I took it over to support, he could now read, and they felt so happy and grateful to me. That brought smiles to my face, and in my mind, I was thanking God for making such a great impact. It's always a great thing for me when I'm encouraged to do more, just like this.
When it was time to leave, the parents didn't want me to go. They tried to find a job for me there just so I would change my mind, but I guess it was time for God to take me away. At a point, I wanted to cry. I felt emotional when I was leaving. The children didn't want me to go. They welcomed me heartily into the town and valued my presence. It was a memorable day I can never forget. I missed them, and they all do, too.
The joy of going to my Reverend and his family's place every time I had the time to help, and how they also made me feel welcomed into their home was amazing. The last time, my Reverend and his wife, with their church secretary, visited my new place where I moved. I couldn't believe they would come, and that visit was something I will never take for granted. I felt honoured by such a visit. Mommy made me know how she missed me and wished I hadn't left. I felt it. A pure joy from within that I was never a bad girl during my one year staying in their building. That I didn't create a nuisance during my service year and didn't leave behind a bad impression of myself.
That's how I want to be remembered: leaving every place better than I found it. It wasn't like the area was in a mess or something else that needed a thorough clean-up, but being there left an impression. If I weren't there, someone else would, but because of my presence, I made sure to do something that will make me be remembered. I did make a difference.
When I visit a place, I make sure not to just sit there doing nothing. I love to help, to support and to show kindness, and I am always trying my best to shine the light on others. If God has placed me on a lamp stand, all I need to do is shine, and I keep shining. That's who and how I want to be remembered for: the girl who leaves a lasting impression everywhere, and that's enough for me.
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