A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, but the sinner’s wealth is laid up for the righteous. – Proverbs 13:22 

As a child, I had the privilege of growing up with my maternal grandparents. I had been pampered and loved by them dearly. I grew to love and honor them for who they were. Today, as I look back I see, unknowingly their lives have impacted me in a great way. Even if they are not there physically, the legacy that they have left is precious to me, more valuable than any materialistic thing. 

When my grandparents were younger I traveled along with them and as they went places I saw how they ministered to whomever they met. They never refrained from sharing God’s love and praying with others. They never left a place without praying. 
My Granddad was passionate about sharing the Gospel with anyone he met. Till he could physically and independently move around he would be part of Christian groups that served society. One thing that resonates within me is that he would pray for every family member by name every night. 

My Grandmother was a woman who selflessly served others. She was empathetic and did everything within her to help others in need. But more so she would pray with them, it didn’t matter if they knew Jesus, she would share God’s love and pray with them. Due to an aliment in her later days, she was confined to her house and couldn’t walk independently but God’s ways were so amazing I saw people come to her house and ask her to pray for them. The times when I used to stay at their place she would call me after she had counseled the ones who came, put oil on my hand and both of us would pray. Today, I find myself doing the same, I don’t have her hand holding my hand but I have the confidence that she instilled in me. 

Serving the Lord, praying for others, and having compassion is the legacy that I have gained from my Grandparents. They are no more on this earth but they have left a great imprint on many lives that are being passed on to generations, most effectively through their children and children’s children. 

Legacy is not monetary inheritance alone. In our lifetime we pursue to create an earthly inheritance for our children but unknowingly we fail to recognize that we are also passing on an unseen legacy which is the values, principles, and character traits that run within a family. 

Grandparents you play a major role in this. Leaving a legacy is inevitable but it is for you to make the choice of what you want to hand down to your grandchildren. Grandchildren go to grandparents to get what they don’t get from parents or what they want in excess. That is your chance to give wisely. What you imprint on their hearts will stay with them forever. Your grandchildren are watching your lifestyle, your life decisions, and what they see they will do. Collecting only earthly inheritance for your grandchildren will end up in others enjoying it. 

Our God blesses us with long life not to be a burden but to be a blessing. God’s plan for each one of us is to age gracefully in His presence and love. 

Grandparents, God’s word says you will thrive and bear fruit and prosper even in old age. If He has said it then there are no two ways about it. In God’s plan, old age is not a stage to wait for an end but to flourish and prosper. You are called to flourish, be energetic in spirit, and be rich in trust, love, and commitment. You are living memorials to declare the Lord’s promises and that there is no one like Him. As you live this Christ-filled life your grandchildren will receive it and pass it on.

In honor of my Grandparents and a message to all grandparents and future grandparents, we have no choice in leaving a legacy but what we leave behind is left up to us.