What Will You Be leaving Behind?

What Will You Be Leaving Behind?

Eileen Renders

   It is a bit ironic that we plan on leaving behind those things that we cherished most in life, often however, these gifted items have a few years of life left in and of themselves. Furniture and jewelry tarnish with time and become unfashionable. Money is appreciated but can be spent on vacations, clothing, and things that become quickly forgotten. Too, there just may be a couple of cherished items left behind in a will which can create jealousy or hurt feelings.

   A legal will is often changed several times before it is satisfactory to those who bequeath it.  Several things will not fade from the minds of those who are inheriting from their mother and, or father’s Last Will and Testament. These legacies are shared equally with each benefactor. And they will forever remain a pleasant memory within the hearts of our children and grandchildren.

   This is a thought that in my senior years, I have considered, and want to share. In my memories of my family, I often recall the fun family times together, the funny quirky answers from the grandchildren, and of course, those times when our sons and daughters come to us in distress with an issue that needs to be resolved. Our reassuring calmness, support, and options provided often solidify the fact that we are one family, united in all as a unit. We are there for each other.

   So, the point I am making is that long after we are gone from this world, we want to be comforted in knowing before we stand before God to be judged, that we did all we could to impart kindness, understanding, support, and remaining by the children we raised. More importantly, rather than just being reliable parents to our children, we want to stand before God knowing how we imparted great significance on values and morals while living the Ten Commandments. Were we fair in not taking our child’s part when they were mean, selfish, or lied to hurt another? Did we gently, yet firmly correct when necessary, so that they understood that they had sinned?

   As we move from decade to decade and are aware of how we are advancing into old age, (although none of us are promised another tomorrow) we must begin our legacy now, and know what is truly significant, those lessons we have learned that will bring us and our offspring closer to God.