What we leave behind...

The phone call came at lunch yesterday. My dad very calmly said “Chad, I’ve got some bad news.”  My cousin had been in a motorcycle accident and was gone. I don’t know the details and I don’t need to.  He left behind three daughters, a son, a beautiful wife and a military record that I’m sure is exemplary; a legacy.  He will be missed.

< and I take a breath…>

I’ve spent six months working on a job that I have found so much enjoyment, peace, satisfaction, fulfillment, all the words and all the things…

All the feels.

In my life I can’t recall a position that I have been as consistent, as conscientious, learned as much, struggled at times and sincerely loved coming to work every single day. The good days and the bad days.

And that’s why I’m leaving.

Yes, I’m leaving.

I put in my notice on Monday.  Not because I’m stupid or I’m being foolish (I’ll save my foolishness for other arenas!), but because the opportunity arose to continue to work with someone I respect and trust.  A man who has a vision that I saw the day I met him.  To work beside a brother, a young man who I have continually learned from as we have taught each other and communicated in ways that grown men don’t always do. 

I’m thankful for the six months in a position that has allowed me to call myself a Carpenter.  A man who works with his hands and tries to do a damn good job every day - that there are things in life that are just worth breathing in and doing the best you can.  Now, what I am concerned with most is what I leave behind.

I’ve been bitter the last week.  Not like myself.  Angry over unmet promises in an employer and an establishment that doesn’t really think about the needs of the masses over the desires of the few.  And this is not a new struggle.  I am passionate about life.  When I see things that strike against my core, I bristle up and want to fight.  Yet, I haven’t fought outwardly.  The fight has been within myself.

When companies start to change and grow, or become weathered and start to fade or become less relevant, most have a legacy plan.  A plan of continuing forward with the work or closing the doors.  I’ve worked for many small companies that have gone different directions; some that have made a plan of continuing to work and succeeded in transitioning to new people at the helm.  I’ve seen others that have had to close their doors because they knew that it was the best thing.  To close up shop and realize it was good while it lasted.  What hurts the most are the ones that have no clue.  With no guidance, with no direction and there is no orderly direction.  And I try to live my life in good orderly direction (GOD), the best I can every day.

I’ve watched the company I work for struggle.  Not with finances, but with identity.  And while watching I’ve also had to think about myself; older, hopefully a little wiser.  What am I leaving behind from the last six months?  What am I leaving behind from so many years?  What do I want to my legacy to be?

Love.
Faith.
A sense of humor and a mockumentary of a life that I am so thankful for now more than ever.
My kids.

I am a carpenter.  And I follow a Carpenter.  I want to leave behind a ledger book of what I have done to live this life the best I can, and leave something behind, something that matters.  And I know that every time I look up and say ‘thank you', I’m thanking him for what he left behind.  Salvation, faith, hope.  One day at a time.

So, what is your legacy?    Life is short.  My cousin was in his mid 40s.  He left more than tears and bittersweet memories this Christmas.  He left a Legacy.  Life stops in an instant.  What message are you leaving behind?


~ Peace

The Burtle

for Justin, Jonathan and all the others that have blessed my life over the last six months/year.