When I think of my "heritage", pictures flash through my mind. My grandfather rests at the head of the Thanksgiving table where are gathered faces of cousins and aunts and uncles listening as he quotes Numbers 6:24-26
" The Lord bless you and keep you, the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you, the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace."
My grandmother sits flipping through her well-worn Bible sitting in the dining room at the old oak table dimly lit by a tiny lamp nestled on a crocheted doily. My Dad, after long hours plowing his corn fields, wearily lowers his frame into his comfortable recliner opening his Bible preparing to study for Sunday's Sunday school lesson, which he weekly led. My Mom, early in the morning with her simple breakfast, locates the days Daily Bread devotional and her Bible to read and learn and share.
These snapshots have "carried me" through times of doubt and discouragement. As street lights illumine a sidewalk so these pictures have been a beacon directing me along the path God has carved out for me, one I too often stray from! God has often used my spiritual heritage to open my eyes and nudge me along life's road, filling me with tears of joy realizing the blessings of godly relatives.
As we age we think about what will we leave behind, What will make a difference in the lives of our loved ones? Will the precious jewelry, or the antique dresser, or the photo albums, or the valuable coin collection make an impact on the souls of the next generation? Will these "things" last through eternity? Instead of answering that question I would rather ask 3 others:
What pictures am I leaving in the minds of my children and grandchildren? Do they have a snapshot of me with God's Word in my hands? When they remember me will that stir their soul?
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