What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others

So, i watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics last night. I must say, i was greatly impressed with the whole ordeal. There's nothing like watching the nations parade their pride of their own people. Needless to say, i shed a few tears during these touching moments. It was amazing to see everyone in the parade proudly waving their nations' flags, waving to the people of the world, (videoing the whole thing with phones & cameras haha). That's what i like to see. At that moment, it wasn't a competition; it was a celebration. A celebration of how far these people have come to showcase their best and be awarded if they do it. The Olympic flag was raised, the Olympic song was played, and the whole world felt hope that maybe their country would rise and shine like the sun. Lighting the Olympic torch was pretty amazing, though. The symbolism was great. The rise of future Olympians, and the legacy of the older ones. It makes you think, you know? What are we leaving for future generations? Not in the sense of national debt or political letdown, but in the sense of our hearts. Are we showing our children that they can stand when everyone else goes with the flow? Are we showing them how to roll with the punches and turn the cheek...or are we showing them that revenge is the best way? Are we teaching them to be respectful to others and give consideration to when other people have differing opinions...or are we teaching them to mock and scoff others who disagree and that division in a home, a church, a nation is normal and even preferred? Are we teaching them to fight for what they love...or just how to fight? Our legacy is the most important thing that we leave behind. What will it teach the future generations? That they have the ability to rise above anything we could ever imagine...or that it's easier to just stay in the same comfort zone, because it doesn't require as much work?