Legacy
As we fast approach the new year, only 13 hours away now from 2020 I wanted to opine a bit about what it means to me to leave a legacy.
This past Christmas time, my daughter-in-law (I don't like the term but must use it to distinguish her for those who might care) Nicky asked me what was my favorite part of being a grandpa. I thought for a brief moment and said without hesitation that it was looking into the face of my grandson and seeing my name passed down through the generations. I love looking at my grandson and seeing my son (his father) and knowing that the things I taught Zach will likely be passed down now to Oliver. From father, to son, to grandson and so on. What an extraordinary thing this is to give over not just genetically to the generations that follow you but also by means of nurture. And this is what I wanted to bend your ear about for a just a few more sentences as long as you are taking the time to read.
Looking into the eyes of my grandsons, I have often wondered the men they will become and how that has a lot to do with the man God has made me. What distinguishing things, what lasting things have I passed on to both Zach and to our daughter Jenna that they will now pass along to Oliver and Jayden. Will they stand the test of time? Will one day my grandsons hold their grand children and while looking into their eyes think back and thank me for the man I once was? Here is what I hope that thought is full of.
That they will remember I was a man of true faith. Not a counterfeit faith where when things don't go my way I blame God and quit following after Him because of my circumstances. I pray this will be the case, for this is a legacy worth passing on.
That they remember me fondly as a man who was gentle, kind and full of love. That they too were treated with dignity and respect as a child of God. Will they say to their grandchildren one day that it is because of my grandfather and father and mother that they are greatly loved. Will they say it is because God first loved them that they are able to pass on a legacy of love. I hope so, this would truly be the legacy I would want to be remembered for.
That they remember me not for how much and how hard that I worked, even though this is honorable. But instead they remember me as the man who would sacrifice what the world thought was important for the things God thinks are important. That one day my grandchildren holding their own grandchildren will know the meaning of sacrifice and they will know it because Jesus first taught their grandpa and he taught their dad and mom what it means to be selfless. This too might well be a legacy to memorialized for.
To keep to my word of just a few sentences, I will close with this as you and I enter the new year with anticipation. This year, what will you be remembered for? Will you take the time this year to live by faith, to love like never before and to sacrifice for the well being of others around you? I have a feeling that if the answer is yes then whatever your hopes and dreams for this coming year are that you will find yourself at peace with life and this in and of itself is a rare commodity. Blessings on the new year my friend. Here's to leaving a lasting legacy!
