How Will They Remember Us?

Perhaps grandchildren always think that, to a certain extent, their grandparents are somewhat ‘weird,’ or ‘crazy.’ Afterall, grandparents grew up in a world at least 2 generations separated from the generation of their grandchildren. However, it seems that my grandson, Jake, really thought I had gone off the deep end recently. As we gathered on June 29 for a family meal, with all four of our children present, I informed them that Kathy and I recently purchased our funerals. Jake couldn’t stop laughing, and couldn’t believe we were discussing this topic.

For Kathy and for me, both of our parents had made these preparations before their deaths. Then we didn’t have to make difficult choices during a time of loss and stress. We didn’t have to answer tough questions. “Did Mom or Dad want to be cremated or buried? If they wanted to be cremated, what do we do with the ashes? If they wanted to be buried, what about the casket? Is this casket too cheap, and perhaps dishonors my parent? Is this one too expensive, and they would think we are wasting money? How about a service? What about graves?” Kathy and I made these plans and purchases to prevent our children from having to make these decisions when we pass. You should also know that we are both currently healthy and we are not planning on dying soon. 😊 (Only God knows!)

However, there is another story in the background concerning our grandchildren. Josh and Erin, and their four children, Jake, Emma, Henry, and Annie, two-thirds of our six grandkids, are moving to Olympia Washington, soon. They drive out of Alaska on July 19, and Josh will serve as principal at Ranier Elementary on McChord AFB. We are saddened by their leaving. However, I reminded Kathy that my parents were not happy when we moved to Alaska in 1991. My dad’s family was disappointed when he and my mom and their 5 kids moved from Massachusetts to Florida in 1965. This is all part of life in today’s world.

Therefore, I have been thinking, “How will my grandchildren remember me?” Will Jake remember his grandfather as a crazy old man who makes his funeral arrangements in advance? On June 29th, we concluded our meal with a devotion from a book we have often used. Will Jake remember us as people who are serious about their faith in Jesus? I did take Jake and his youngest sister, Annie, fishing on Saturday, July 5. It was a good trip. I have LOTS of pictures of Jake on fishing trips with me. Sometimes it was just Jake and me! Will Jake remember me as someone who spent time with his grandchildren and loved(s) them?

How about my other 5 grandchildren? Listed by age, they are Jackson, Emma, Kendall, Henry, and Annie. Even if they are not ALL moving away, what have I done, what am I leaving with them with will be a lasting gift? What have I done which will provide a lasting blessing? I ask this question not just concerning my grandchildren, but also concerning my children.

My devotional readings on July 9 were from Luke 11 and 12. In Luke 12, Jesus teaches, “29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. 32 "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. 34 For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Luke 12:29-35 ESV)

As I mentioned, I went through a similar experience as a child. My parents moved their family from Easthampton, MA, where 5 generations of Rockey’s had lived. We relocated to Gainesville, FL, in 1965. Yet, I still have vivid memories of my grandfather, whom I called “Grampy,” and of other relatives. I remember faith lessons Grampy taught me before we moved, and some he taught me after we were living in separate towns and states. For example, he taught me about forgiveness, when I would get in trouble in school – A LOT! Grampy taught me not to be prejudiced. He also impressed on me the importance of church, by his example. And, when I was confirmed in Florida my grandfather came up to me after the ceremony and said, “I’m proud of you. I pray you do a better job of keeping your vows than I did in keeping mine.” WOW! My grandfather had a GREAT influence on my faith in Jesus. He left eternal blessings with me.

I do believe that treasure in heaven is so much more valuable than the things on this earth. I also believe that it is in the grace of God through Jesus that we receive love and joy and peace . . . eternally. I believe that in Jesus’ life and death and resurrection we receive life forever. What can BE more important? I pray daily that my children and my grandchildren know Jesus, and His eternal gifts of love, and forgiveness, and salvation. I pray that I have shared with them these gifts of Jesus, and can continue to do so.

So, in whose life are you making a difference? Are you pointing those you love to eternal treasures found in Jesus?