Have you ever stopped to consider what our society considers valuable? The answer will likely depend largely on whom you ask.

Some people would probably say things like money. Some may say diamonds or perhaps even gold.

It’s odd in a way that often the first things that pop into our heads are tangible things — things that we can touch and feel with our own hands. But more often the most valuable things are those that are less tangible.

Things like honesty, generosity, humbleness are all character traits that come to mind.

We were reminded of this on Monday when we heard the news that Dr. David R. Steckler had died after a long struggle with cancer.

Dr. Steckler did what many of us forget to do each day. He gave back.

He gave what he had to his family, friends, co-workers and to complete strangers.

It is perhaps the last category that made such a mark.

Dr. Steckler did so much for our community. And he never asked for much in exchange.

From his years of dedicated work with St. Mary Basilica and Cathedral School to his service on the Natchez Recreation Council to his work on the Natchez-Adams School Board, Dr. Steckler made his mark through generosity.

His friends and family members know first-hand how generous Dr. Steckler was.

And hopefully, through his memory and legacy, we will all learn the lesson his example was constantly teaching us.

It’s not about what you have, it’s what you give back. That is the most precious thing of all.