This week begins a series of posts about leaving a godly legacy, and they’re based on lessons from my study of the Old Testament book of Judges. I hope you’ll join me on Wednesdays through the end of August!
Legacy. When I see that word, images of wise, gray-haired elders appear in my mind. I also see younger generations lined up behind them, following their example.
Three generations in Israel – WOW!
I often think about a person’s legacy after they’ve died, and I’ve thought about several legacies lately. Three people in my Bible study group have lost parents in recent weeks, and it’s caused us to reflect. It’s sweet to hear them share memories of simple people who lived faithful lives.
I love some of the specific things they share, and their stories bring back memories of my grandmothers. My Grannie B had a green thumb and was a skilled croquet player. My Grandma R made SWEET tea and loved playing Scrabble. Both of them loved the Lord and were fiercely devoted to their families.
Rumor has it I talk with my hands
Neither of them were women of financial means, but they made us feel rich by the special things they did for us. It makes me wonder what things my family will remember about me…
So, I asked them.
We laughed at some of the quirky things I do. (There are WAY too many to list, and most would need so much back-story that the humor would get lost in translation.) They blessed me with some of their remarks and convicted me with others. But we came to a conclusion:
It’s never too late to improve your legacy.
(Tweet this)
A faithful life, in its simplest form, is nothing more than a series of faithful days. And I want my faithful days to include blessing someone around me.
It can’t be big. I don’t have unlimited resources of any kind – money, time, energy, focus, etc. – but I can do something. One thing.
Think about that for a minute. If God called you to do just one thing today, what would it be? (For all you moms out there, think beyond laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc.) What one thing could you do that would bless somebody around you?
Your somebody might be a different person each day and your one thing might be different each day. But to your somebody, your one thing might become part of your legacy. And it might be the very thing somebody remembers about you.
Here are a few of mine:
- The way I answer the phone when my kids call (I have a quirky greeting for each of them)
- Making banana pudding for Steve (it’s his love language)
- Watching Say Yes To The Dress with Sarah
- Going to a particular restaurant with Scott when it’s just the two of us
- Picking up my nephew early from daycare & playing together in my driveway
See? Nothing expensive or flashy, just a little blessing!
Do not be interested only in your own life, but
be interested in the lives of others.
~Phil 2:4 (NCV)
Your comments bless me and encourage others! Can you remember someone’s one thing that blessed you? Please share!
Click to read other posts in the series, Leaving a Godly Legacy.
Susan,
Thank you for challenging words to start the day with. I challenged my congregation on Sunday to be a hero to someone this week. Many times it is the small things we do for others that mean so much to them. May the Lord continue to bless you and your ministry.
Pastor Jim Asberry
Hi Jim! Thanks so much for visiting and commenting. I’ve been watching your sermons on YouTube! What a great challenge to give your congregation, and you’re so right – it’s the little things that are significant. We just have to make time to do them.
Blessings to you and your family. Hope we can get together when Cory gets back in town!
Oh Susan, this really made me think. I can honestly say that the legacy I’oll always have in my mind of my grandmother (unless she changes) is how negative she is and how much her words hurt. I know I’m loved by her, but a lot of the time she doesn’t show it in her words. The legacy I’ll remember most outside of family is this past Christmas. I’d been on the phone with Nan one day and when we hung up, I was surprised to check my mail and find a gift from her. I knew they weren’t doing well financially, but the fact she took the time to get the gift and put it in the box really ment a lot. Love you sweet friend!
Jamie, I’m so sorry about all the discouragement you face from your family. But you make a great point – the things we say to others will ring in their ears. Will they build up or tear down? Sadly, you’ll remember your grandmother’s words tearing you down. And that memory breaks my heart. I can only imagine how it must make you feel.
But praise the Lord for Nan and Vonda and people who speak words of affirmation and encouragement over you! When we don’t get what we need at home, He sends it to us through other people. Isn’t God AMAZING??
One thing someone did to bless me? Go to the mountains with me. And stop the car to take a picture of a groundhog. Love!
You always bless me! Your legacy in my life goes beyond words. Hard to believe we’ve known each other less than a year. Man, God is good!
Love you!
Oh girl, you know I’ll stop the car to take a picture of almost anything — groundhogs, sunsets, road signs, guard rails… my kids will say, “MOM – SERIOUSLY??” But everything is an object lesson in my mind
And the way God has knitted our hearts together? Nothing short of AWESOME. Yes, He IS good!
Love you and can’t wait to see you again!
Your friendship is a blessing to me!
My husband’s smile, the sound of the Grands rolling in the grass.I can go on and on. See you tomorrow!
Thanks, Di – can’t wait!
This is something I have been working on with the grand-daughters. Rather than spend the money (which we did at first, I mean…hey….Sofia was the first girl!) however, now I make sure we have some sort of craft to do at our house. We paint, we glue, we cut…the things I am doing with the girls are things my grandmother used to do with me! I love those memories and hope these little ones will treasure them always!
You are the coolest Nani EVER, Sandi. And something else they’ll remember? That you went to swim meets and gymnastics and Dinneyworld…
Susan, this is so good! Thanks so much for sharing your heart here. Blessings, E
Always glad when you stop by and comment, Edie. Thanks!!
Susan,
This is a wonderful reminder of how God can take our daily lives and turn them into real impact for those around us. I have a few phone calls to make today, some words to add to the kid’s bible study I’m writing, a game of Settlers of Catan to play with Lucas, and an all-important new episode of Ninjao – Lego Ninjas to watch with Quinn tonight.
Looking forward to more posts on the Legacy series.
Jeanette
Thanks, Jeanette. Enjoy your time with the kids. I guess Lego Ninjas have replaced Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I watched plenty of those guys
Taking time out of the busy schedule to share a few hours with family seldom seen is also a ‘one-thing’ worthy of notation…thank you for doing just that on Saturday. We enjoyed your company and that of your two great kids, Scott and Sarah. You are loved so very much by all the family and cherished for all the thought provoking information you provide via the blogs. Thanks for the uplifing visit on Saturday and please keep them coming!!!
Funny you should mention our get-together — that’s one of the one things my kids will remember about YOU! We had such a great time. Thanks so much for hosting the family every summer. It’s a great time AND a great memory.
Love you, Aunt Cherry!
I have hundreds I could share, but the one that sticks out the most is how my mother was there for me on my darkest days. She was not a particularly great mother, but when it truly counted she was a steadfast, loyal supporter.
Sometimes we expect more from others than they are willing to offer. But it should be our goal to leave more than is expected.
Thank you for sharing this at NOBH.
Thanks for coming by today, Lynda. I love what you said: it should be our goal to leave more than is expected. It’s so true, and it can make a such difference.
Hugs from VA,
Susan
This summer, I’ve really enjoyed target practicing with my 10-yr-old stepson, in the evenings.
He’s at an age to really enjoy shooting sports. The target practice gives me a chance to spend time with him, make sure he learns all the safety rules, and help him improve his accuracy.
Just as important, it’s a fun activity that we both enjoy!
It’s a small thing, but something I hope he’ll look back on as time well spent.
I’m sure those times are memorable for him, Joe. And as he gets older, it’ll be a good chance (and a comfortable setting) to talk to him about important life things.
Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Hmmm, this really made me think …. real hard… but during our few visits with Jenny in Colorado, she always have us going places, doing things together & take me along to go out with her friends (girls only). Jenny spends a lot of time with her kids & baby sitting other kids, making frozen meals for friends who needs them, & I can go on & on what she does for other people esp. family. She said this to me & Mark: “You know the reason I spend more time with my family & others rather than making my house clean & perfect because I don’t want to look back & say, I wish I had clean my house & made it perfect”. While I was up there last June, she left at 10 p.m. to help a friend in distress & didn’t come home until 1 a.m. I just love her for that. And I hope this is a Legacy I leave to her, Servanthood.
This is what Christ did for us. 
Great Post Sus!
Wow, Anita. I always knew Jenny was special! I know you’re so proud of the wonderful young woman she is. What a blessing!
One of the one things I will always remember about you is your wonderful gift of hospitality. You really make your guests feel special and loved
And I’ll also remember our first visit to Jerusalem. U KNOW
One of the nice memories for me is the October after Karis died, one of my friends showed up with an arrangement of fall flowers, a fall tablecloth and matching napkins. She knew decorating for fall would not be at the top of my list and this thoughtful act brought some cheer into the house. What a special act of kindness it was!
You have some truly thoughtful and compassionate friends. I was constantly amazed at the sweet things people did. Something I’ll always remember about that time was the Tribe. I’ll never find sufficient words for that.
Thought-provoking indeed, Susan! Thankful I stopped by again via WIP Wednesdays…
I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately. Talked about it a bit in my current giveaway post I have.
My grandmother showed me that God is good all the time. She not only said it all the time, but she lived it. Even when that applesauce jar in her cupboard they used as a bank went empty, she praised Him. And I’m striving to teach my own children to let go and let God…less of us, more of Him will fill any void. And since my oldest is 4, I try to show it in little ways. dropping everything I’m doing to play with him. and praising God aloud that I’m able to do that, etc…
oh I’m rambling. thanks for making me think!
I love the rambling, Nikki! And boy-oh-boy, are you ever in for some fun times with your kids. Sounds like you’re starting off on the right track!
Thanks for linking up today!
Such a stirring post, Susan! The one thing both grandmothers did for me throughout my life is pray for me daily. Sometimes our one thing won’t always be seen or heard by others but the impact will last forever. Literally.
SO TRUE, Cathy. I think about the faithful legacies of the people in my family and I’m humbled. I know a lot of the blessings I enjoy are because of their right choices and fervent prayers for the generations that would follow them.
Thanks for bringing that truth home!
I want to leave a legacy of faith and appreciate this post. Gives me a lot to ponder as I think about the legacy I’m creating. Blessings!
Thank you, Christina. It’s never too late to polish your legacy!
Here’s to doing our ONE THING … and using a lot of hand motions while we do it!
Love from a fellow hand-talker
YES — Sing it, sister, and throw your hands up Kirk-Franklin style!
LOL
Thanks for stopping by today, Jennifer!
Looking forward to it Susan!
God’s timing is funny!
Love, Hester
On opposite ends of the country and on the same page. He is GOOD
Love you, Hester!
Susan, I love this. And I love your idea. Our kids and grandkids know we don’t have a lot financially to pass on to them. But hopefully, there are other things more important. This gives me a lot to think about. That is, to make the most of whatever God does give me to pass on and to be careful not to miss opportunities to encourage them when they need it most.
Thanks!
Liz
Oh Liz, you’re the greatest grandmother EVER, and I’ll bet your grandkids have a lot of happy one things for you! You should ask them sometime
My one thing for today was to reach out and start that mentoring relationships! I’m excited to see how the Lord uses it!
Thanks for linking up with WIP Wednesday!
Mary Beth
Thanks, Mary Beth! Maybe we can compare mentoring notes in a few months
Thanks for this. It made me think intentionally about what I’m doing to bless others around me. Love your examples that are simple but mean the world to others.
Thanks so much for stopping by today, Shelly. It really is easy once you start paying attention.
Hope you’re having a gorgeous day in the Charleston area!
Susan, I’m focusing on gratitude these days, but my “ONE THING” is from a long time ago. It was a rainy day, I was late for work, the tunnel traffic was backed up, and I hit the car in front of me. The driver got out and approached me. He could have been angry. He wasn’t. He spoke to me gently, made sure I was okay, exchanged insurance information. He called me later to check on me. WOW. I will never forget that man. I have forgotten his name, but I’ll never forget his patience and generosity. May I pass it on…
WOW, what a great testimony, Julia. I hope the Lord will bring it to mind if I’m ever in a similar situation!
I’ve been thinking along these lines too, ever since my mom’s funeral. So many one things that have touched me… One simple one I blogged about once was a thoughtful act of a college friend (A random act…). I’d been sitting alone in a stairwell for hours, taking my turn holding fort for an apartment spot for our coming semester (we had to wait in line overnight to be in line for it). This friend, who was having to leave and not even be part of that apartment foursome, surprised me there with a little bag of cookies… Had walked off campus to get them, share a treat because she was thinking of me. Offered to sit in my place next… She doesn’t even remember this moment today, but it stood out for me about being thoughtful of others and made me determine in that moment that I wanted to be intentional that way too… I enjoyed your post!
Wow, Pam – that was so sweet! I remember sitting in line for things in college, and I would’ve loved something like that. She was truly selfless. What a great reminder to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and think of something that would be a blessing.
Thanks for stopping by today!
Susan, my legacy I believe is 1. My children and all that God has done in through their lives.
2. The book “Broken Dreams, Beautiful Quilts” that Nathan and I wrote together.
3. Speaking words of affirmation to others.
4. My laughter…which has gone up and down over the years. I had a man once tell me how much he loved to hear me laugh during the Sunday morning services and another man tell me how much he missed my laughter when I was not in Sunday class. You know, perhaps it was the same man in both situations.
You’re a sweet treasure, Judy
Thanks for stopping by today!
1. Being willing to close my laptop and play with the grandkids.
2. Telling the family stories to the kids and grandkids.
3. Instilling the Truth of God’s Word into the grandkids.
Do you see a theme here?
You’re the BEST, Vonda. And since you’re such a fabulous storyteller, I’ll bet those grandkids hang on every word!
Thanks so much for stopping by today. You’ve definitely left your mark on my life
Susan,
Thank you for such a powerful post. It truly is those simple little things that can make a lasting impact on those we encounter. There are some days I’d rather not consider what my children will think–you know–when I feel like I’ve had to nag them all day! However, I pray with everything in me that the good memories will outweigh the bad…
I lost my father about 6 years ago, and it’s amazing how all of my brothers and I have considered his legacy throughout the last several years. His integrity and his passionate love for his family definitely stand out.
Have a beautiful rest of the week!
Love and God Bless,
Christy
I can’t imagine how much it hurts to lose your dad. What a great blessing that he left such a wonderful legacy, and what a great example he set for you and your brothers. It’s all about those faithful days, one after another, and seeking to bless the people you love.
Thanks for stopping by today, Christy. I always love seeing Cross Moms pop up in my notifications
It’s never too late to improve your legacy.
A faithful life, in its simplest form, is nothing more than a series of faithful days. And I want my faithful days to include blessing someone around me. I love this…always wanting to grow and it is so hopeful that our legacy can continue to grow with us. love this post…blessings~
Thank you, Ro. So glad you stopped by today
Susan, Dad left yesterday so I finally have some time to get caught up with a few things. I saved this to comment on because it is SO great! I have often thought about the legacy I’m leaving my family, but haven’t ever specifically asked them about it. Thank you for inspiring me to do so! Oh, and that talking with your hands thing? Are you sure you’re not part Italian? I and all of my Italian family would most likely be mute if our hands were tied behind our backs (tied in front means we could still use them a bit), LOL.
Love & blessings to you!
~Anna
LOL Anna – I’m VERY sure I’m not Italian. Germans must be hand-talkers too
So glad you stopped by today. Hope you had a great visit with your dad!!
Wow – you’ve struck a nerve here! Look at all the comments. I’ll add mine: a legacy requires intentionality (as you said, ONE thing). It’s not necessarily costly or time consuming, but it is intentional. Thanks for the exhortation!
Thanks for chiming in, Kirsten
You’re right – thoughtful and intentional is what it’s all about. I’m glad you stopped by today!
Basic caring, sharing, loving, correcting is all we can regularly do. That can include doing dishes and cooking something that will bless my husband or dear ones who might be dropping over. Actually, one of my basics is now reading many, many posts a week and becoming friends with people around the world. It’s such a blessing, but also a God-job.
You made me grin, too, when the “hands” photo was shown. Made me think of this one:
http://caryjo-roadrunner.blogspot.com/2012/05/hand-raising-life.html
Blessings….
Thanks for stopping by, Joanne. You’re a blessing to a bunch of us bloggers, so on behalf of the entire group — THANK YOU! We appreciate the encouraging words.
Can’t wait to read your post
Hi Susan,
What a beautiful post! I’m so glad you stopped by my link-up and that it led me here!
I LOVED this thought…”A faithful life, in its simplest form, is nothing more than a series of faithful days. And I want my faithful days to include blessing someone around me.”
I loved it so much that I just wrote it down on a post it note and stuck it on the wall above my computer…It’s easy to get overwhelmed and bogged down by the enormity of our responsibilities and how sometimes they seem to be keeping us from doing things we might deem “worthwhile”, but I like how you suggest the things that are worthwhile might a) be small and b) happen one small moment at a time.
Thanks for the encouragement.
Thanks, Lisa! I just loved your site design and I hope your link up goes well. I’ll grab your button and try to contribute on a regular basis.
And I’m honored that you’d write that thought on a Post-It. It helps keep life in perspective: every day, be faithful
Thanks Susan. Like you, I’m short on all the resources. However, when I think about it (focus), I turn to your blog and am blessed every time. Another item to add to your legacy list is the way you bless all of your readers. I’m glad I met you at the retreat and have been blessed by you ever since. I value your friendship and the way God speaks through you. So thanks for the blessings.
In His Love,
Bruce
Bruce, your comment made my day! I’m so thankful for you and all the friends I made at the retreat (sad there won’t be one this year). Your encouragement means a LOT to me, and I’m humbled that you find my content worthwhile. I’m constantly amazed at His goodness to me, especially with the great friends He brings my way.
I’m continuing to pray for your mom. Hope you had a good visit and things went well in FL.
This is one of most beautiful posts I have ever read. I simply loved how you described what the true core of leaving a legacy means, “A faithful life, in its simplest form, is nothing more than a series of faithful days. And I want my faithful days to include blessing someone around me.” I want to have faithful days as well. Thank you so much for linking up to Leaving a Legacy! I look forward to the rest of your series.
Blessings~
Shari
Thanks for offering the link up, Shari! Your sweet comment blesses me and is TIMELY. Thank you so much. Praying for you this week and hope someone is taking care to bless YOU.
Hugs from VA
Oh, Susan…I love this and the thought about being intentional on the legacy we leave for others. I, too, love this, “A faithful life, in its simplest form, is nothing more than a series of faithful days.” These words give such blessings and offer such grace…thank you!
Thanks for stopping by, Kim! I love the grace that’s offered with the new mercies every morning. I need a clean slate
A great post. I’ll have to ask my children (yikes). I wonder what they will say?
Thanks for linking with us at No Ordinary Blog Hop. Keep linking up. Every blessing, Kelly