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Tonight, I am babysitting two of my grandchildren. The little one, less than 2 months old, is in a pouch on the front of me as I walk the floors at 10pm at night in an attempt to soothe her.
In my late 50s now, I often think about what sort of legacy I am leaving my children, my grandchildren, my family and my community. Will I leave this world a better place than when I came into it? Will they know I loved them? Will they know God loves them?
Like it or not, our words and behaviour are like ripples on water and have far reaching consequences. The significance of how we act and speak may not be apparent in the moment. We are mentoring those around us without even being aware.
Are we leaving a legacy of anger, judgement and condemnation. This may lead children, grandchildren, spouses, family members and colleagues to feel like they are bad people, insignificant, unloveable and useless. For example, when we have an angry outburst or get drawn into gossip, others are there noticing our words and behaviour. Irritability, whether verbal, physical or non-verbal is likely to distress and offend most people, resulting in them rejecting both us and Christ whom we represent.
Who are we affecting when we behave like this? Sometimes it’s a small child or our colleagues. We need to consider how we are influencing their view of the world. How are we representing Jesus to them?
Sometimes we may think we are alone and unnoticed. But God sees everything, even every thought in our minds:
Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence.
Ps 139:1-4 TPT
At these times we may feel a check in the spirit. A sense of concern or discomfort. Instead of rationalising our behaviour and giving ourselves excuses, it’s important to heed Him. Stop and spend time with our creator and sincerely ask forgiveness and a way forward. If we lean in and listen, Holy Spirit will help us change and give us direction and the ability to apologise.
It’s important to apologise to children also when we do wrong. It models integrity, honesty and character, which we hope they are all developing in their lives.
Alternatively, we can leave an inheritance of love, kindness, truth, peace and joy. This may help the people around you to feel safe, lovable, capable and worthwhile. They may be encouraged to seek out their own salvation and intimate relationship with Jesus, because what they are seeing is attractive and valuable.
At the moment I am quite tired and honestly would prefer to be home, tucked up in bed. On the other hand, I also know how much my daughter and son-in-law need some time out and have been looking forward to this night for over two years. Jesus said:
So this is my command: love each other deeply, as much as I have loved you. For the greatest love of all is a love that sacrifices all. And this great love is demonstrated when a person sacrifices his life for a friends.
John 15:12-13 TPT
Jesus’ standard is very high. Love one another as I have loved you. He is an incredible role model. I’m not suggesting that having a late night caring for a couple of grandchildren is anywhere close to the sacrifice he made for me. But I am saying that it is a small thing to sacrifice some of my time and forego the comforts of my bed to be a blessing to my children.
What is something you could do today to bless someone in your life?
I hope you found this blog encouraging. If you would like to tell me what you intend to do or have done to bless those around you please leave a comment below. Alternatively, you can contact me directly at admin@jesus4generations.com. You might like to subscribe to my blog below so you don’t miss any posts. Feel free to share this post with family and friends. God bless you and your household.
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