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Listen while you read: "Man Of Sorrows Wondrous Name"1 (Lyrics) |
Joshua 24:15 – But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. (NIV)
We all leave an inheritance to those who follow us, particularly if we have children. I had four older brothers, and we were especially fortunate in inheriting godly examples of Christian living from our parents.
We were also shown how to make a busy family function efficiently. For example, we grew up knowing that while our mother happily prepared food for us to eat, it was the man's responsibility to clean up after a meal and do the dishes. Our father always did so and thus we knew that this was the way it should be.
One side benefit was that our wives knew that at least in one practical instance (who cleans up after meals), they had a good mate when they married a Walter boy!
I was an adult married person when I learned the reason for this practice. In 1917, when my oldest brother, Fred, was born, my Dad told Mum that he didn't like changing diapers. Mum responded by offering a "deal". She would change all the diapers provided Dad cleaned up after each meal — doing the dishes, and so on.
Dad thought that was a great deal. Mum was a good cook, and after a happy meal, it was no big deal to clean up. Mum, though very quiet and always very respectful, was very smart. She knew that babies grow out of diapers, but meals go on forever. Clearly, she had won on that deal over time.
My Dad was truly a man of his word. One of the great inheritances that we received was seeing that in action — he never attempted to back down on the deal that he made in 1917!
My father didn't leave us a significant monetary inheritance. In fact, he was scammed out of a large sum of money by a supposedly Christian man whom he had met through a Christian organization that my Dad was helping in his later years.
But in the matters that are really important — faithful Christian service, helping others, sharing God's love, letting our light shine for God's glory — both our parents gave us the best possible inheritance.
Now, the challenge is for me (and you) to do the same for those who follow. Daily, I question myself as to whether I am leaving a positive, faithful inheritance, not just to my children or to my eleven grandchildren and their spouses or to my twelve (and growing) great-grandchildren, but to the many residents and staff with whom I interact daily.
Age-related physical limitations gradually reduce our opportunities to interface with others, but we must remain faithful in leaving a good inheritance in what really matters!
Prayer: Dear Father, it amazes us to think of the inheritance that You have given us through the gift of love shown in the sacrifice of Jesus. Help us to reflect that love faithfully in service to others. In His name, we pray. Amen.
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Still about and enjoying your writings.
I really liked the story and the message.
Great story, Vince. Thanks for the wisdom.
Hi. Good message today thanks for it. Keep the faith.
Thank you, Vincent, for this testimony of a faithful father and the challenge to us.
Great writing, Vince. I think often about the legacy I have left for those who come after me.
Mr. Walter, thank you for sharing your story. There is so much love wrapped around your words. May God bless your soul.
Thank you for an interesting and thought-provoking post, Vincent. Your parents really did leave you the best inheritance of all!
GREAT sharing, and thanks for writing it.
Diapers for dishes!
(CA)
Good morning,
Welcome back as I have missed your devotionals.
God bless.
Thanks, Vincent, for your interesting and mindful writing today. Blessings for sharing about your Mom and Dad’s agreement of the men cleaning things up after the meal.
Powerful works with deep convictions… a challenge for all men to do and be the best they are called to be. A fearful rot in today’s culture. Where are the fathers? I had a chat with a young father whose wife is a high school teacher troubled with bad behaviour in the classroom. Where are the fathers? Blessings for courage to speak truth.
Good day Vincent,
Thanks for a wonderful personal and inspiring devotion.
Would that more parents would teach their children by example to participate in chores around the home.
Blessings on your day.
Hello Walter … I was wondering as I read the devotional who the author was?
Thanks again for sharing your story and verses, I often consider history in places I visit or people I meet. I loved the diaper deal your mom came up with.
Also knowing we have a steadfast deal with God through Christ.
Peace to you.
Thank you, Vincent, for sharing!
You truly have a talent for writing, and we are so blessed to have the honor to read your devotional.
It is so wonderful to have such a large family with beautiful lessons taught and learned.
Keep sharing your stories and knowledge for the legacy you have started will continue what meant so much to you even if you don’t see it!!
Enjoy the day!
Keep writing, it’s a pleasure to read your devotionals.
I really liked the story and the message.
Good evening Walter,
I so enjoyed your Devotional. I love how you include things that happened to you in your life and tie it in with the Scripture passages. I always look forward to you Devotionals. Keep them coming.
Blessings to you.
(On.)
As to your statement ~ remain faithful in leaving a good inheritance in what really matters!
I believe you do.
Thank you for the reminder.
Your devotional brought back lovely memories.
We had three munchkins under three. Life was hectic.
My beloved hubby would bathe and read to the kids after supper before putting them to bed.
This was after putting in a long day bringing home the bacon.
I had some time to collect myself without a constant watch over the babies.
This godly man was ahead of his time by doing what most people considered mother’s work. Looking forward to seeing him again at the feet of Jesus.