We had some visitors at our home today.  My parents, a.k.a. “Grammie and Gramps” came to spend some time and also to just help out with some household things at a very busy time in our lives.  They were only here for  a few hours, but the time was time well spent.  Just as it’s great to see them come through the door, it was sad to see them leave.  But after I waved goodbye and walked into the house, there were reminders of their visit all throughout the home. One had left behind homemade chocolate chip cookies on the kitchen table and beef stew in the oven. The other had installed a dishwasher and fixed a dripping faucet.  Both had left behind hearts more encouraged and feeling loved.

Legacies aren’t always made through the big things.  Often times, the biggest investments we make are in the little things we leave behind in the day to day interactions with others.  We may never know the impact we have, but rest assured, we all have an impact.  May we never forget the difference that the little things can make in the moments, days, and lives of those around us.  One little visit can make a big difference.  One encouraging word can help grant the courage and strength to take another step for those who may be struggling through.  I’m so thankful for the legacy that I’m seeing lived out in the lives of those I love.  And the chocolate chip cookies and clean dishes sure don’t hurt either!

Oh, and one more thing.  You know how great it smells when chocolate chip cookies are baking in the oven?  The aroma fills the home with warmth and sweetness and goodness.   Well, the Bible talks about Christians being the ‘sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place’. In this busy success-oriented competitive world, may our legacies be more than resumes of accomplishments or financial gain.  May our legacies be full of fixed faucets and chocolate chip cookies and time well spent giving an encouraging word.  May our legacies point to so much more than ourselves, and to a God walked among us right where we are…with our leaky faucets and broken dishwashers.  I’m so thankful for the reminders that we are not alone.

By His Grace ~

Heather

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us

the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.

For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing.”  

2 Corinthians 2:14-15