Heritage of Love
A lot of parents, now of days, think that they have to buy their children and grandchildren everything. They want them to have nice clothes, the latest and greatest toys, all the current computer games and gadgets, the best education, cell phones, cars at age 16, and the list goes on and on. I am the same way. I find myself always wanting to buy my grandchildren things. One of my granddaughters has come to expect to go shopping for toys every time we are together. I really don't mind this, but I wonder what else I am giving her by which to be remembered. I don't want her to just remember that I bought her neat things. I taught my younger granddaughter to say “money” in sign language. Then I thought, “What am I doing?”!
What memories are we leaving our family? My grandparents, both my mom's and my dad's, left me wonderful memories. None of my grandparents left this world leaving behind a lot of money. My Granny and Pa Wilson lived near poverty level. But I don't ever remember wondering if they were going to buy me something or give me money. I remember playing at their house, eating great food, going to vacation bible school and just spending the summers with them. I remember my Pa always wanting everyone to come and visit. He did not have a lot to say, but he always wanted us there. My grandmother always had words of wisdom and great stories to tell. My Grandmother and Granddaddy Smith seemed to be a little better off financially, but they lived from paycheck to paycheck. Granddaddy died at an early age. My memories of him are of sitting on his lap while he sang to us. I remember his hands were so big and so ruff. He did house leveling for a living and his hands showed the wear and tear. He was very loving and enjoyed all his kids and grandkids. My Grandmother Smith was always ready for a house full. I loved her cooking, especially her fried chicken! She had six children of her own so while I was young she still had kids at home. I loved all of her collectibles, her spoons, her cups and saucers, and her dolls. I still have some of her cups and saucers. They are not worth a lot of money, but they are special to me because she loved them. Most of her collectibles came from somewhere she visited or were given to her by a loved one.
The most important thing my grandparents and parents have given me is my heritage of Christian homes and Christian lifestyles. I guess what I am saying is that when all is said and done, what people remember us for is not what we give financially or physically, but what we give emotionally and soulfully. They remember us for our attitudes, our compassions, our laughter, our time and our love. What are you going to be remembered for?