Ancestors

I spent some time talking with a friend this week about his relocation to a new home. He had been so excited to learn that several generations of his family had settled there years ago. He found a special connection to that place as a result. It sounds like he will live there forever. 

Knowing information about your ancestors can bring a sense of belonging. 

Realizing that you are going to be someone’s ancestor one day can give you a sense of responsibility. 

My mother lived with us for the last three years of her life. We loved having her here. One day she and I had a conversation about a piece of furniture she thought she should sell. “It’s not anything special,” she said. “Your father and I bought it when you were little. So it’s not an antique or anything.” My response was something like this. “It might not be that old but it belongs to somebody’s great grandmother. Perhaps one of them might want it to remember her by.”

I don’t think of myself as somebody’s ancestor. I know my children and my grandchildren. But what about those yet to be born a couple of generations down the road? What am I doing that might have an impact on them? Am I giving enough of myself to the family that I have? Am I leaving anything important behind so that they can share a sense of belonging? Will they know that I believe in Jesus? Will they find Him in my own personal belongings?

LORD, help me to live my life in such a way that I will make you proud. Give me ideas about ways I can impact those who come after me.