Proverbs 13:22

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.”

What does Legacy Mean?

When looking up the definition of legacy, a lot of money and property came up. For me when I think of legacy, it is all the other stuff left behind. It’s how you made people feel. It’s what was done for them and to them. It’s the moments of generosity shown in love and the advice given.

Update

I recently had my Grandmother, whom I referred to as Grammie, pass away. I think about all the things she left behind. How she treated people and made them feel.

So many people shared with me how, when they were new to the church and visiting for the first time she was the first person to go up and say “hello”.

How simple, YET so monumental in their memory.

What is most important?

It is soooooo very easy, ESPECIALLY with young children to miss an opportunity to meet someone new visiting the church. To make an impact in their lives forever.  I encourage you (along with myself) to also, like my Grammie, get up and meet new visitors.  To talk to people who may need someone to show interest in their lives and to let them know they are important and welcome here.

Forever with me

I am thankful I have the pictures and memories of time spent together, advice and love she’s given that will forever with me.

She used to love going to the bluegrass festivals with my grandfather when younger.

So, my husband and I enjoyed taking her in the later years. Even if we just went for the food and sat in the car mostly just to eat and hear the music.

One of my favorite memories was taking her to Loretta Lynn Concert.  Someone she loved to listen to growing up.   I was so excited to buy these tickets for her and she could have said “no” because she felt uncomfortable or it would have been too many inconveniences, but she said “yes”. 

It created a memory I will cherish with her forever.  I am so thankful she said, “yes”.

Emotion

How do you make people feel when you’re around you?

The emotion when around my Grammie was of feeling special, seen and heard with the attentiveness she gave when visiting her.

Physical

What will you physically leave behind?

Some will leave a house, items in the home, or money.   Some will leave a lot of “stuff” that is meaningless.

What I will forever have from my Grammie are the handmade clothes, blankets and stuffed animals she created.  The ones that came from her heart.  Things I can hold, smile and appreciate.

Other ideas

Maybe you are not creative in that way.  Maybe you love to cook and you can make food for your loved ones.  Or write our handwritten recipes and create a book for them.

Possibly, it is recording your voice and reading to them or even calling to leave a voice message they can hold on to for when they need to hear your voice.

It also very well could be a painting, music, a book, a letter or encouragement, etc.    What do you like to do?  Do it and make it a permanent object.  Your loved ones will be thankful you did.

The Best Part of a Legacy

The best part of a legacy is sharing your faith with others and your children and your children grow up to continue to pass it down to their children. Thus, creating a whole new generation to go out in to all the world sharing the gospel of Christ.

I am so thankful my Grammie raised my father up in the church to meet my mother who together shared the gospel with me and my siblings.

That is a legacy of love that will continue to grow and will one day allow us to all meet up again.

Do You Have a Legacy?

What legacy are you choosing to leave to your children and grandchildren? A legacy doesn’t just happen the day we pass, it is the daily choices we make and invest in the people around us.