Generations

One lesson of early adulthood has been coming to understand that decisions that I make have consequences that impact not only my life, but the lives of those around me and the lives of those who come after me. While this realization has an overwhelming effect at times, it is also cause for celebration. Today I am especially grateful for the legacy that has been passed down from my parents to the eight of us children. As a family we recently listened to an audio sermon titled The Overtaking Blessings of the Second Generation. It was the testimony of a son expressing thanks for the gifts that had been passed on to him through the decisions and lives of his godly parents.

There are, likewise, many untangible gifts that have been imparted to us eight children as a legacy from our parents. Among so many others, we have been given gifts of godly example, of deep self-sacrificial love, of discipline, of prayer, of hospitality, of financial stewardship, of marriage, of child-rearing, of home-making skills and of trust in the faithfulness of God. The world will not be the same for the offering that my parents, and so many others through the ages, have offered their families.

During spare moments in college my roommates and I enjoyed listening to the music of Sara Groves. I have been thinking of her song, Generations, as I have been thankful to God for the gifts of generational blessings.

I can taste the fruit of Eve
I’m aware of sickness, death and disease
The results of her choices are vast
Eve was the first but she wasn’t the last

And if I were honest with myself
Had I been standing at that tree
My mouth and my hands would be covered with fruit
Things I shouldn’t know and things I shouldn’t see

Remind me of this with every decision
Generations will reap what I sow
I can pass on a curse or a blessing
To those I will never know

She taught me to fear the serpent
I’m learning the fear myself
And all of the things I am capable of
In my search for wisdom, acceptance and wealth

And to say that the devil made me do it
Is a cop out and a lie
The devil can’t make me do anything
When I’m calling on Jesus Christ

Remind me of this with every decision
Generations will reap what I sow
I can pass on a curse or a blessing
To those I will never know

To my great, great, great grand daughter
Live in peace
To my great, great, great grand son
Live in peace