The Legacy You Leave

I recently “inherited” several boxes of sewing stuff that was in the basement of a house some friends bought. They knew that I liked to sew so they sent me everything that was still usable (and I gladly accepted.) Among the boxes of fabric and supplies was a box of cards, books, notes and recipes. I don’t know when the lady died, but her name was Nancy and she was the same age as my granddads. I didn’t read much, it was mostly personal letters and notes, but I found a note book with something profound.

On the first page of a general stenopad notebook was this prayer:

Dear God, I pray that you will give me wisdom in planning what and how to teach the girls in our group next year, to:

·         Know You better (make sure salvation of each)

·         Read Your Word daily

·         Know how to pray and what to pray for (keep a journal)

·         Be grateful/thankful (keep a journal)

·         Share Christ with peers or others

The following pages contained ideas for crafts or skills to learn and ways to use them as a group, like learning calligraphy and then hosting a widow party where they used the calligraphy to write the invitations, as well as planning and making the meal, decorations, and a skit. It also contained notes for how to introduce salvation, how to know if one is saved and why it’s important, what is sin, appreciating parents, keeping prayer and gratitude journals and ideas for a possible sleep over.

This was written in May of ’92, she would have been 64, the age when many feel they have paid their debt to society and its time to do something for self. Yet she chose to spend those years investing in the young women of her church and community. And she didn’t do it half-heartedly as her token service; she put her life into it. She shared not only her faith but also her hobbies and skills. I believe she did the same with her family, glancing through the mothers’ day, sympathy and birthday cards; she was cherished by her family as well.

Discipleship can be defined as “intentional spiritual investment” and that is what Nancy did. She invested in those young women by doing life with them and teaching them how to live and love like Christ. That is her legacy, and it is continuing still because I have her notebook. She has invested in me as well by inspiring me with her life and words. I would love to have met her, but I know one day I will in Glory.

Her words have inspired me to be intentional with my time and relationships. Who am I investing in? Am I working for Kingdom or myself? We decide what kind of legacy we leave. I want to leave a legacy like hers; one of seeking God above all, of investing in the souls of others, of teaching the younger generations how we should then live.

A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children,

Proverbs 13:22a New American Standard Bible (NASB)

I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.

3 John 4 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

“Children” doesn’t have to apply to biological children only, but to everyone on whom you have influence. What kind of legacy will you leave behind you?