This weekend, my mother, daughters and I saw "Diana, A Celebration" at Union Station in Kansas City. This nine-gallery exhibition on the life of Diana, Princess of Wales, and her legacy made me wonder for what I will be known after my death. Diana was only 36 when she died, seven years younger than I am now. Granted, I did not marry English royalty (although I did marry a real prince, if you ask me), but I can leave my mark on this world even with more humble means.
The best way for us to leave a lasting mark is to raise sons and daughters who will teach their children to focus on the eternal as well. In my case, this is through attention to their spiritual growth. Just as I give them daily multivitamins to meet their nutritional needs, I also dispense daily comments to cover their spiritual needs. We cannot leave our kids' religious education up to well-meaning Sunday school leaders who see them for an hour or two each week. After all, we wouldn't trust our kids' elementary education to someone who saw them for a couple hours once per week. Another way to make a difference is to invest in people you don't know. Each of us has something to give, whether it is money, time, skills, or household discards. We may think we are too poor, too busy, too average or too lacking, but we aren't. Sometimes, even a smile can change someone's day. Does that take too much time or effort to offer? I know I could stand to slow down and notice the needs around me.
What are you doing to make your mark on this world? I would love to hear about it.

Cari Pemberton is a Certified Family Manager Coach and Director of Outreach and Training for Family Manager Coaching. She is the CEO to one husband, two daughters, two cats and one Labrador who thinks he is a person. Her upcoming events and special offers are posted at TheClutterCutters.net.