The Measure Of your Success

Years ago, a very close and older friend came to visit me. Seeing what he believed to be success in my life (a house, new car, dog...) my friend quickly became depressed. He begin to confide in me, saying that his depression was over what he believed...that he wasn't successful in his life. "I failed in my life, my friend. I could have had many things throughout my lifetime but sadly I chose not to. I could had have houses for my children, a business, new cars and now I feel that  my life was one great failure"  Said my friend in sorrow.  I pondered on what he was saying for a moment and then asked him... "How many children, grandchildren, great grandchildren do you have now and how many will  miss you when you are gone? Did you always try to do your best to help them all through their times of grief and tribulation? Did you always do your best to make them feel special in their lives? He quickly said yes (with a smile) to all of my questions. I smiled back at my friend and said: "It doesn't sound like you're a failure at all to me. You have more than any silver or gold could ever buy. You are a very loved and respected man. You will be greatly missed by many when you are gone. After our little talk my friend felt better and went on his merry way.

Years later...I heard of his passing and traveled to his funeral. At my amazement his funeral service was packed with lots of his friends and family. I sat in my seat soaking up all the love that was radiating around this room for him. I begin thinking upon the last time I saw him and the discussion we had. As I did, I started to smile and thought he had to be smiling too. "Well done my good friend. (I began thinking to myself) "You were never a failure in your life, you truly lived a life well done."

Just because you didn't live a life that was rich and famous doesn't mean you were not successful in your life. Judge your life by the people you touched by love and by all those who loved you too. Live your life to help make differences in the lives of many and their lives will never be the same. Do so and they will never forget you in their hearts. When you have accomplished this...you will be successful my friend.