When I think of the word legacy, my mind immediately goes to my family. Let’s face it: our spouses and our kids are watching us. They see our actions, our reactions, our good moments, and our well…..the times we completely lose it. Like the time I told my oldest daughter she was never again allowed to turn the radio dial in my car because she drove me crazy with her incessant station-changing.
I was serious.
She laughed out loud.
Leaving a legacy of a flipped-out mom is not exactly what I’m going for, though. To be sure, I flip out more than I’d like, but I also have a plan to model a Godly life for my family. This weekend at MLC, our Family Pastor, Steve Aylor, taught us some key ways to do just that. He shared some stories from his own life which motivated me to get my head in the game, so to speak. That’s a good thing since Summer is here, the kids are with me full-time again.
My plan is nothing spectacular. I simply have a goal to lead well as often as I can. The plan is two-fold: teachable moments and intentional living.
I take advantage of teachable moments – with my husband and my kids. I share with my husband what I’m learning in Scripture or in relationship with others, which usually jump-starts a conversation. You’d be surprised how much both of us learn from those talks. And, of course, I use the things my kids see and hear as a springboard to share Godly wisdom. Not in a preachy kind of way, either. Just casual conversations to give and get insight. Simple, really.
Intentional living is the other part of my plan. Living life on purpose, for a purpose. In other words, I plan out the good our family will do…..the ways we will honor God with our time. Volunteerism, service, generosity, personal spiritual growth, etc. Following God is important to me, and I want to leave a legacy of passionately serving Him. So, my kids not only see me serving and leading, I pull them into the mix by helping them find ways to serve, too. Again, simple.
Leaving a legacy for our families isn’t as difficult or unattainable as we might think. As a matter of fact, you can start today! Click here to watch this week’s message and get some ideas to get started. Then, get your head in the game and start out-living your life!
