Legacies

by | Oct 23, 2014 | Uncategorized | 2 comments

IMG_0503It is days like today that I wonder what I kind of legacy I will leave to my family, friends and the world.

I’m currently 41 and if I’m lucky, I have another 40+ years to figure out what my contribution will be and how to accomplish the tasks associated with it.  Time is running out…I’d better get moving!

Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect. Matthew 24:44

Yesterday, we celebrated the life of my father-in-law, Martin Hays, and remembered him on the fourth anniversary of his death.  God has done me a huge favor and taken my sadness away and replaced it with an astonishing amount of awe at Martin’s life and the memories he created for his family and friends.

IMG_0485What I love about remembering Martin and his handprint on my life (and it was a big one…you should have seen the size of his hands!!) is that he left an impression that money can’t buy.  My father-in-law’s legacy is one of humility, love, passion, peace and prosperity of the heart.

But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:20-21

Conversely, in today’s world…money, success, fame and fortune are hailed as the pinnacle of life well done.

Martin possessed many of these ‘worldly’ attributes, but they are not what are burned into my memory and what I absolutely adored about him.

You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. Deuteronomy 6:5-7

IMG_0573The qualities I admire the most are the following:

  • Three Godly sons
  • A heart for God
  • A lending hand
  • A love for scripture
  • A discerning mind
  • A listening ear
  • A quick smile
  • A good conscience
  • A kind heart
  • A penchant for ice cream (yep, a man after my own heart!)

None of those involve money (well…except maybe for the ice cream) and they all have to do with his well-disciplined character.

We can all learn from this discovery…what we give to others is what we will be remembered for!!

IMG_1463The fact is that Martin left me with so many reasons to love him and admire him that I’ve spent the last four years writing about how awesome he was and what I’ve learned from his way of living!!  It takes a special person to hold anyone’s attention like that…much less someone who knows the good, bad and ugly about a person (not much bad or ugly in this case)!

As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life. 1Timothy 6:17-19

So…be sure to set your sights on Jesus and live out His legacy so that you will find out what life is really about!!

We miss you, Martin!  Thanks for living a life worthy of a beautiful legacy!!

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 11:24-25 – One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want. Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.

2 Comments

  1. Denise Brogdon

    Well said my friend!

    Reply
    • meghays

      Thanks, Denise!!!

      Reply

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