“He’s Little Mr. Seven” — A Legacy of Days Well Lived

My dad turns 77 on July 7th. Seventy years ago, when celebrating his 7th birthday, a local paper featured an article about him. It was entitled ‘He’s Little Mr. Seven’.

The article talked about the fact that not only was he turning seven on the seventh month, but he was born after his parents had been married seven years. He was also the seventh grandchild on both sides of his family. His name, William, carries seven letters and he was the seventh baby that his mother’s doctor delivered on the day he was born.

The final sentence of this article muses, “Young William didn’t seem to be too much impressed when it was pointed out that on his 77th birthday he could expect perhaps a much bigger party and another picture in the newspaper”. I love this numerical folklore that has been a part of my dad’s life for as long as he’s been alive, but what I enjoy most about this article is the picture.

Here, a seven year old William blows out his candles, making a wish that likely included dreams of toys or baseball wins. That little guy had no idea what the next 70 years of his life would look like. There would be high points like the completion of law school and the birth of his two daughters. There would be low points like the loss of his father to cancer and saying goodbye to his beloved dogs. And then between the mountains and the valleys, there were just normal days. Some days would be better than others. Some would come with challenge and some would come with triumph.

But no matter the spirit of each individual day, once you add them all together you have the sum: life.

But added together, all those days made up the sum: his life.

Psalm 139:16 says,

“All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.”

This reminds us that our lives aren’t random. Every day is ordained, chosen on purpose by a God who sees the full picture. That means each day is a gift, whether we get 8 or 80 years.

In Ephesians 5:15–16, Paul urges us to consider how we live:

“So be very careful how you live, not being like those with no understanding, but live honorably with true wisdom, for we are living in evil times. Take full advantage of every day as you spend your life for His purposes.”

We don’t control how many days we get. But we do control how we choose to spend them.

Legacy is not accidental. It’s built one day at a time.

For my dad, those seventy years since blowing out seven candles have been filled with daily decisions—choosing to study hard, apply himself, and commit to his calling. He didn’t just wake up one day as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Virginia. It took years of faithful steps.

The same is true of his relationships. Lifelong friendships don’t happen by chance; they require intentionality and loyalty. And the beautiful home he and my stepmother share in the Northern Neck of Virginia—with its view, pool, and boat—didn’t come overnight. It’s the harvest of years of wise financial choices, hard work, and perseverance.

What they enjoy today is the fruit of steady, purposeful living.

In October I will turn 50. As I’ve watched my parents get older and have been hit with the obvious reality that life does not go on forever, I have become more passionate than ever to make every day count. I realize that with each passing day, I have the opportunity to build a legacy for my children and the generations that will come after them. I want to leave something that matters and has eternal value. This may look like investing in others, showing kindness to a stranger, or anonymously blessing someone in need. I don’t know the exact number of days God has ordained for me. That is up to Him.

There are no throw away days when you are living on purpose, for a purpose. So steward the day you have been given well.

I want to make each one count.

Reflection Questions:

1. How am I currently spending the days I’ve been given? Are they aligning with the kind of legacy I want to leave?

2. What daily habits or choices are shaping the direction of my life? Do they reflect what matters most to me?

3. Is there anything I’ve been putting off that I know I’m called to do? What would it look like to start today?

4. Who has impacted my life through faithful, ordinary living? How can I express gratitude or follow their example?

5. What’s one small way I can live with more purpose tomorrow? Whether it's being present with family, giving generously, or offering kindness—what will I choose?