As I get older and so do my kids, the question of legacy becomes more of a relevant issue. I have no idea how my life will end, but one thing I know for sure is that my kids' biggest need isn't money. Right now they're not directly dependent on it at all; they have almost no need for their own financial resources. They just know that their parents will account for their needs. When they have need of a material thing, they ask one of us. Sometimes we say "no," but they have never been without a necessity.
Right now, I'm training them to slowly be less dependent on my wife and I. I think that is a the fundamental role of a parent: raising our kids to be independent of us. Someday in the not-so-distant future, they won't need me anymore and I'm good with that.
This process of raising our kids to leave home and be independent of us, begs a question for parents: Other than money, what kind of legacy do you want to leave for your children?
I'm not anticipating my parents leaving me any money (though I'll take it if they do), but they have already cemented their legacy in my mind. They taught me how to be faithful to God and ferociously devoted to my wife and kids. They showed me how to turn the most awful situation (like, losing a child) into a redemptive part of their story. What do you want your legacy to be?
Psalm 90:12 says, Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. NLT Life is short. Just ask anyone who's currently in their 70's or 80's and they'll confirm that truth. What things will spring to life for future generations from the seed you're currently planting? Perhaps your true greatness will only be seen when future generations sit in the shade of trees you planted knowing that you'd never personally enjoy the shade for yourself?
Life is, in fact, short. Don't wait until you can see the finish line to begin building your legacy as a firm foundation for future generations.
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