According to Webster’s Concise Dictionary, the word “legacy” means anything handed down from the past, as from an ancestor.
Several summers ago at my grandpa, Papa’s, funeral, I was asked to write a lifesketch and speech in memory of him. As I began to work on the speech, I was convicted once again of the importance of the legacy we, as parents, leave behind for our children.
Papa had so many people who loved him. In writing my speech, I gave a lot of thought to legacies and what they mean.
What kind of legacy will we leave behind for our children?
I once heard a quote from Austin L. Sorensen that went like this: “A child is not likely to find a father in God unless he finds something of God in his father.”
Wow, that’s a powerful statement and something we, as parents, should take very seriously.
How can a child find something of God in his or her father? For example, are Daddy’s arms always open whenever there is a problem? Is Daddy a refuge in times of trouble? Is he a shield from the bad day at school or the fight with a best friend? Is Daddy loving, caring, and full of grace? Is he forgiving? Does he put the needs of others first? Is Daddy someone his child can trust? Is he an encourager, is he patient and kind?
God is all of these things, and these are just a few of the glimpses of God a child can see in her father. To see such things in her Daddy helps her to see that God is all of those things and more, only to perfection.
Parents (and grandparents!) don’t realize how important they are in their children’s lives and this is just another testament to this fact. I can testify as Papa’s granddaughter that I saw him exhibit traits such as being a pillar of strength, protective, loving, and caring. He was a hard worker, provided for his family, and desired justice, yet not revenge.
When I consider Papa’s legacy, I am inspired to consider my own legacy that I am building in my children.
In the song “Legacy” by Nichole Nordeman, she sings about her desire to leave a godly legacy.
As a mom, I want my daughters to remember me as someone who was compassionate, loyal, kind, one who loved Jesus above all else, was a faithful prayer warrior, a woman with a servant’s heart, and a fighter for the underdog.
Huge steps to fill. I pray I will achieve those lofty goals, but most of all, the eternal goal of sharing with them the priceless gift of our Lord’s sacrificial love.
When you reach the end of your life, will you have accepted the grace offered by the Lord Jesus Christ? Will God be saying to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant”?
I am thankful for the blessing of Papa and the many years the Lord gave him to us. And I’m thankful for the glimpses of God that we saw in him.
Whether we are moms or dads, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers, cousins, or grandparents, may we all leave behind a legacy that speaks of Christ and His saving grace that lives within us.
Before you go, check out these other posts:
are you an encourager or a discourager?
Ellis Creek happenings and a fun character quiz
10 reminders of God’s enduring love
5 ways to make your child feel loved
Saturday Spotlight: Deceived by Madisyn Carlin
reading suggestions for kids of all ages
Penny Zeller 
I love this!!! Every once in a while I will remind my kids (practically adults really!) that while I love them unconditionally, and they know I do, that God loves them so much more than I could possibly fatham. I hope that is something they will always carry with them. No matter what He is always going to be there for us.
Well said, Cindy!