Pass It On!

Last night we went to hear our middle child perform in a college jazz band. Of course, we enjoyed it. Who doesn't enjoy hearing their children perform? Anyway, while waiting for the concert to begin I noticed one of the young men in the group go over and hug and speak to a couple of adults. I don't know how to explain it but my immediate thoughts were ~ There's something different about that young man. Later an older Christian lady that I have known for years walked by. A few minutes later she came back and spoke to us sharing with us about her grandson being in the program. I was not surprised to find out that the young man that I had seen earlier was her grandson. My thoughts were ~ it's a heritage thing. I have known his grandmother, and knew his grandfather before his death, for many years. His grandfather was the Mission Director here for many years and was interim at the church we attended for a time. They both are wonderful, godly people. I count my life blessed to have known him and to know her.

I have been reading Charles Stanley's book Living the Extraordinary Life during my devotion time. This morning I began the conclusion of the book entitled Living A Legacy. The chapter pretty much focuses on the way we choose to live our life now and the influence it will have on those to follow. I cannot even express how many times God has impressed upon me over the last several years the importance of leaving a legacy, of Him, to the generations of my family that will come. Though we did not have many material things growing up, my parents gave us the greatest possible thing they could have given us ~ an understanding of who God is and of His great love, shown to us by the gift of salvation through His Son ~ Jesus. It is my responsibility and privilege to pass it on.

Let me share a few sentences from the beginning of the chapter Living A Legacy:

"When your life here on earth is over, how do you want to be remembered? What do you want people to say about you? What difference will it have made that you ever lived? What will you leave behind that has any lasting value?" 

Now let me share a bit from the end of this chapter:

"You are leaving a legacy - whether you want to or not. The question is, what will it be?"

Our choices today can make a difference in the present, but they also can impact the future ~ a future beyond the physical ~ the eternal.

 Pass It On!

 When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

2 Timothy 1:5