With an ever changing economy and uncertain times, it’s hard for most people to get by much less think about leaving an inheritance for their families. Although many contend that it’s important to work hard and store up treasures for future generations.

My parents and grandparents didn’t have much money, but they did have a treasure which they passed on to me. This bounty did not come from hard work or from being given a silver spoon at birth, but from God, the Father of all creation.  It bore no price tag, was free of any obligation, given by our Heavenly Father with no strings attached.

When we downsized a couple years ago, it became apparent to me that many of the things we were hanging onto were simply things that would give way to decay in time.  Some things we continue to hang onto for sentimental reasons – like the marble collection, my husband received from his dad when he was a child.  The idea of pushing those spheres of different colors around for hours as a form of entertainment has little merit today, but it takes us back to a different time and place.

The baby dish which was mine as a child, holds no use anymore, but it’s a piece I will associate with time spent with my parents.  The collection of wooden toys and miniature models of old cars are still around.  Some things we just hang onto as a reminder of where we came from.

We also have a special place in our home for an old King James Bible which belonged to my mother in law.  We have many Bibles, but this one is extra special to us.  It shows how much that book was used, ransacked, notations made and dog eared pages saved for future reference.

Our children know that there will be little of worldly wealth for them to fight over when we die. Maybe that in itself will provide well for them.  Treasure can only be measured in the wealth of ideas, talents, compassion and service we use towards others while we inhabit this world.

I pray that my grandchildren may learn a thing or two from me, but I especially pray that they will take the inheritance I received as a child and pass it on to their children as well.

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

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of grandchildren. Be with me as I share my love for you with them. Stand beside them as they walk through life and lead them in your ways. I know this is the best treasure they can receive and it was purchased by your own dear Son.  Amen!