But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children — with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
– Psalm 103:17-18
Gwen Shamblin wrote in Rise Above (referencing food at the time, but leading to every idol one might have over God), “You can turn this around today, and make GOD the only thing that lights up your eyes – what a true legacy to pass down to your children!” …
I come from a long line of settlers from Europe (predominantly from the UK) that included farmers, teachers, railway workers, doctors, tax collectors, tavern owners, soldiers, pilots, musicians and more. As far as my Tennessee relatives go, my paternal side, the Dunns, settled in the Springfield area of Tennessee in the 1700’s with Azariah Dunn leading the way. My maternal side, Foster, arrived in Tennessee around the same time I’m told eventually settling in the Williamson and Davidson county areas. The Logues (my mom’s maternal side) arrived in the 1700’s as well and settled around Mt. Juliet, TN for the most part. The Lusks (my dad’s maternal side) arrived on the scene before the civil war having taken their time coming out of England.
My family before me has been recorded as having fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, the Civil War (both sides), World War I, World War 2, Korea, and Vietnam. They built schools, church buildings (from Presbyterian to Baptist to Church of Christ) and homes from log cabins to modern. When they died, they passed on acreage, money, food, homes and other items of interest.
I am thankful that God has allowed me to learn about my family’s past – about the lives they lead and the sacrifices that were made. I praise God that out of all of the wars and hardships, my family lived long enough for me to be born…and that my wife’s family lived long enough for her to be born, for us to meet and for our children to join us on this walk.
What legacy will we leave for our children…will it simply be another addition into the history books for the next family genealogist to catalog or will our children inherit the blessings of righteousness living inside of God’s precepts? I pray that our children see my and my wife’s eyes light up when we talk about, sing about and read about the God of the universe. I pray that the legacy we pass down to our children is not just material , but most importantly, an eternal legacy of faith walked out in obedience to God making the most of every breath and heartbeat to His glory.
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