Does legacy imply that an individual's contribution can be attributed specifically to them, or is it enough to know that one's efforts, when pooled with others' in the community, have combined to make an impact? To borrow your analogy, a standing or rogue wave can have a greater amplitude by combining forces than a single impact or ripple. Eventually all things dissipate though, I suppose. Another thoughtful piece.
It's a really good question, Michael, and I'm kind of surprised I didn't speak to it in some way! The concept of combined ripples is consistent with how I value synergy and teamwork -- the contributions of the larger community. Which for most of us will likely be the most impactful ripples of our lives. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Dana, another gem. Here’s a variation on the ripple image and the Berry poem, based on a verse in Colossians which I happen to be reading now: “Christ is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” So to put it somewhat clumsily, what we/I do in this life that is authentically grounded in Christ (aka, our/my vocation) is what bears life for others. I’m not sure I am phrasing that the exact way that I want, it’s just a Christo-centric way of expressing that our lives have meaning in and through him. (And unlike some other Christians, I am not willing to assert that that’s the ONLY authentic way to find and conceive the meanings of human lives)
Appreciate your comments (as always), Chris! I will say that it's helpful for me to be reminded of biblical/theological resources that connect with my various meanderings through "the good." And - as I'm sure you know - I share your rejection of exclusivity 🙂
Does legacy imply that an individual's contribution can be attributed specifically to them, or is it enough to know that one's efforts, when pooled with others' in the community, have combined to make an impact? To borrow your analogy, a standing or rogue wave can have a greater amplitude by combining forces than a single impact or ripple. Eventually all things dissipate though, I suppose. Another thoughtful piece.
It's a really good question, Michael, and I'm kind of surprised I didn't speak to it in some way! The concept of combined ripples is consistent with how I value synergy and teamwork -- the contributions of the larger community. Which for most of us will likely be the most impactful ripples of our lives. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Dana, another gem. Here’s a variation on the ripple image and the Berry poem, based on a verse in Colossians which I happen to be reading now: “Christ is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” So to put it somewhat clumsily, what we/I do in this life that is authentically grounded in Christ (aka, our/my vocation) is what bears life for others. I’m not sure I am phrasing that the exact way that I want, it’s just a Christo-centric way of expressing that our lives have meaning in and through him. (And unlike some other Christians, I am not willing to assert that that’s the ONLY authentic way to find and conceive the meanings of human lives)
Appreciate your comments (as always), Chris! I will say that it's helpful for me to be reminded of biblical/theological resources that connect with my various meanderings through "the good." And - as I'm sure you know - I share your rejection of exclusivity 🙂