Everyone is leaving a legacy. The strength of your story is not determined by your age or family size...intentionality and mindfulness are the keys to the footprints we leave behind. The house/structure is not the legacy or what holds our heart. It's the memories made inside the house, as well as the love we show outside our homes that build the legacy. This is the message we leave behind.
The foundation we build, with God's help, is our choice. We either show people the love of God or we don't. Leaving a healthy, Godly heritage does not include perfection. In fact, sometimes showing His love involves an apology. The Bible says it is NOT by our works (accomplishments, accolades, awards) that we can boast. ALL good gifts are only because of the faith and hope we have in Christ (Ephesians 2:8-10). This is the opposite of what the world believes.
Papa did not have one award hung or displayed in his home. He had pictures of his precious wife and family displayed EVERYWHERE! Those people were a large piece of his legacy...the footprints he left behind. That is what we remembered as we cleared out items, carefully went through boxes, and kept precious memorabilia and other meaningful pieces that we now have displayed in our homes. His legacy and God's loving hand does not stop with Jon, David and Steve. His heritage has and will continue to speak of God's love and power through our kids' lives, our grandchildren's lives and beyond.
Our "stuff" is not what makes the statement about who we are or whose we are... our hearts, words and actions leave a lasting impression. Our possessions go away, but God's blessings and favor do not. They are truly a gift that keeps on giving beyond the grave.
Today (June 5) we say goodbye to Papa and Grammy's beautiful home of 30 years. We are so grateful for our families and the heritage that has been set before us...on BOTH sides, Jon's family and mine. After 27 years of marriage, the two families have become one...God's beautiful design. Twenty seven years ago we decided to stay in the Springfield area so our children would know their grandparents and our parents would know their grandchildren...one of the best decisions we've made as a couple. The memories and love remain, with many more moments and memories to be made.
Pain is felt the deepest when love is the greatest. But pain is not the end of the story. Growth, wholeness and Heaven are the end of the story for those who love and live for our amazing God. We have so much to be grateful for, and so much to look forward to.
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