Leaving a Legacy

"Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers."

Proverbs 17:6

Having become a new father just four months ago, I have become more sensitive, well in general, but much more so to scripture as it relates to fatherhood and children.  It is an interesting wording here that the glory of children is their fathers, rather than mothers.  But, when I really think about this it starts to connect more with me.  In the Bible oftentimes people had one name, so with that, a lot of people ended up having the same name.  So you will see throughout the Bible that people may relate to someone by saying, 'their name, son of ____'.  And that blank is always filled in with the fathers name.  Even in our modern culture, more times than not, it is our father's last name that gets pasted down to us when we are born.  So, it would make sense that the glory of children relates more to the father.  Being a person in recovery, my relationship with my father was damaged, and then, non existent.  If you are a person in recovery, it seems that more often than not, we have a father wound in our lives.  This can stick with us throughout our lives until we deal with it.  It is as if the 'glory' of our father's, although damaging, ends up being our glory as well.  I can remember saying that I was never going to be like that, just to be the same way as an adult.  As I look around at my friends both in and out of recovery, it seems like more than not, the character of their father gleams down on them.  Being a new father, I am very keen on this scripture and very grateful for the truth it has revealed to me.  I am more motivated now than ever before, to build good godly character in my life.  Because I know that not only is my baby girl watching everything I do, everything I do will inherently be passed down to be her glory as well.  Maybe you have kids, maybe you don't.  But, for those of us that do, we must understand that the type of life we live, whatever type of glory or reputation we are building for ourselves, it will be passed down to them.  And maybe you don't have kids, but know that people are always watching, and if they don't see the gospel in you, where will they see it?  Today, keep in mind that what we do has a huge impact on others, especially our kids.  Pray and ask God for wisdom and strength to follow Jesus with all we got!  Knowing that the glory we leave will be passed to down to our children.  Love you all!  Praying for you and yours!  Have a blessed day, it's your choice!