Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Leave A Lot Of Happy Tracks

Leaving a legacy that has an impact for time and eternity requires that we live a legacy before we cross over to the other side. What you and I do today is what others will remember about us tomorrow. The old preacher pretty well summed it up when he said we should live our lives each day so that if we were to die suddenly, the preacher wouldn't have to make something good up to say about us at our funeral service. I think of those who have gone on ahead that did just that. They wore their integrity, faith, commitment, and gifts that God had given to them like the clothes they put on. It was not something they did so much as who they were. None of my personal heroes were perfect. I can think of many areas where they were not always a sterling example, but on balance, they reflected the best of what God would have us to pursue and live out in our time here on the planet.

I suppose most people have an innate desire that others would remember them in a fond way after they have gone on to their reward. Yet, often we pay little attention to building the kind of life that genuinely reflects God's goodness and His grace. Others will remember us but what is it they will remember? What trail will we leave for others to follow? If you have read my profile on this blog you will notice that I enjoy many different types of music. I grew up on what might be called country Gospel music. Often it was unsophisticated and unpolished but many times it had a message that spoke directly to my heart. I remember one particular song from way back that talked about leaving tracks for others to follow.

The song was made popular by a southern Gospel group called the Florida Boys Quartet back in the mid 1960's and it is entitled "Leave A Lot Of Happy Tracks." I thought maybe the lyrics to this Kenny Price tune might encourage us all to consider the impact of our thoughts, deeds, and actions as they play out in our everyday living.

Well I know you've heard people say many, many times
You don't pass through this world but once you'll get yours and I'll get mine
But I've got a philosophy I believe I'd rather go by
And if you just listen you may want to give it a try

Leave a lot of happy tracks as you go down life's road
Leave a lot of happy tracks everywhere you go
Leave a lot of happy tracks and keep this in mind
Others will have to follow in the path you leave behind

As you walk through the tangled streets of life notice your fellow man
And when he gets in trouble you just lend him a helping hand
Sew good seeds in the field of life as you go along
Let others reap your happiness a long time after you're gone

Leave a lot of happy tracks as you go down life's road
Leave a lot of happy tracks everywhere you go
Leave a lot of happy tracks and keep this in mind
Others will have to follow in the path you leave behind

Don't ever use a good friend for a personal gain
To gain wealth and lose one friend would only be in vain
Let your happy tracks be many leave them everywhere you go
Others will have to harvest each and every seed you sew

Leave a lot of happy tracks as you go down life's road
Leave a lot of happy tracks everywhere you go
Leave a lot of happy tracks and keep this in mind
Others will have to follow in the path you leave behind

Lest we think this sentiment to be somehow foreign to God's plan for us, the Apostle Paul told the Church of the Colossians they should live with wisdom knowing that others are observing and being influenced. In Chapter 4, verse 5, he said, "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity." People are watching. Those close and those far away see and are impressed in one way or another by the life we live. My mom's infections are not as serious as they could have been. We thank God for this. She is doing a little better and may be able to go home from the hospital today. Our dear friend Brother Gary is perhaps slightly better but still very critical. I ask that you continue to pray for him. Have a great day and try to leave a few happy tracks! Amen. .....More later.

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thanks for confirming the sentiment of this song. It is a song that I heard from a local D.J. who sang the refrain multiple times a day, every day that he worked with genuine joy in Kilgore, Texas in the 1960's. He was a genuinely happpy guy, too! I was a teen aged young man at the time. The genuine spirit of Christian joy that this man on the local radio still radiates today in my heart. I do not remember his name-- but I will of course meet him again in Paradise, and then in Heaven, through the Grace of our Heavenly Father-- God Almighty and His Son, Jesus, the Christ. I try to leave happy tracks, too. It sure beats the other alternative, doesn't it?