I don’t know what was going on in my dad’s life at that time, but one day, we were riding along in the truck, and as we passed the cemetery, he said, “There lies a bunch of people who thought they could not be replaced.”

Often, I have wondered what prompted the statement. Was he reflecting on the loss of someone? Was he pondering his own legacy? Maybe he had a heated conversation with someone at work who thought they were irreplaceable.

Whatever the reason, that thought was a humble reminder of my limited impact. My life can and will be replaced by someone else one day. The world, the Church I lead, and even my family will carry on without me.

He never said a word of explanation. It was a statement of fact. A fact I have never forgotten.

Whenever I get so full of myself that I think my little section of the world will fall apart without me, I remember my dad’s comment and the truth it holds for all of us.