Legacy

I've been thinking a lot about the kind of mom I am to my kids and what they will remember of me when I am gone. Will they remember all the times I lost my temper with them? Or will they remember the times I've held them as they cried? Will they remember the punishments (groundings and time outs) or will they remember the way I've celebrated with them on their successes? Will they remember me being tired or will they remember me being involved?

I'm going to change things up a bit around here. I know how I would want to be remembered and I want to live that way today.

I gave my testimony to our couples small group last night. It was the first time that I've ever formally given my testimony and it was a powerful thing for me. I know how I've blossomed spiritually over the last five years and I know how God has redeemed my life. I know the things that I have done, and I know that He has forgiven me. I know how I got to this point, and I know how far I've yet to go. But very few other people know the whole story. Very few. So, sitting in a room full of people and trying to put into words how completely God has changed my life was overwhelming. But in such a good way. I celebrate the story of how God and I came to be! I praise him for how He has transformed my heart, given me hope, and become my everything. I'm forever grateful for His blessings and even the trials we have suffered, because they brought me closer to Him. I trust in Him. It's like the beautiful hymn "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus"

’Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise,
Just to know, “Thus says the Lord!”

Chorus
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!


I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend;
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.


That's how I want my kids to remember me- loving my Savior and worshiping Him. A couple days ago we were driving in the car and listening to some worship music and I could hear Bella cheering "Jesus! Yay, Jesus!" And how could my heart not swell when I looked in the rear view mirror and saw my two year old daughter with her arms raised in the air, worshiping our Lord? I'm challenging myself to be more aware of the examples I am setting for my girls. How can I stress to Irene the importance of daily bible study if I do mine in private late at night? How can I encourage my children to serve others if I don't share with them how I am serving? How can I teach my children to pray if I don't pray with them?

Proverbs 22:6 (King James Version)
"Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it".