I had the opportunity this Thanksgiving to spend some time with my grandparents at their house. I was looking forward to kicking back and relaxing for a few days. I had visions of rolling away from the dinner table to leisurely waste away the afternoon in front of the TV. But early on the first morning my dad burst into my room. “Mike, are you ready to put up the Christmas lights?!” It was not a question.
We had strung most of the lights along the garage when we angrily realized they were backwards and the second string could not plug into the first. Our irritation doubled when we realized (after taking the first set down) that they did fit, I just hadn’t pushed hard enough. In frustration, we finally made it to the last corner. As I looked at the ominous task before me, I was reminded of my own mortality. The terrain dropped drastically, leaving the roof much higher from the ground than at any other part of the house. My dad quickly informed me of the seniority he possessed and muttered something about “respecting your elders,” and I knew it was me who would climb the ladder. However, in order to reach the top, the ladder had to be placed almost flat against the wall. The only thing keeping it from toppling over was the weight of my father pushing against it from the bottom. Suddenly grateful for the large breakfast my father had eaten, I cautiously began my ascent. As I teetered from the top rung, stretching out through the clouds to string the final lights, I thought to myself, “Grandpa had better be extra thankful for his grandson this holiday season!”
Later that afternoon I had the opportunity to sit down with my grandfather and learn from the wisdom of his life, which has inspired me in countless ways. As I discussed our conversation later with my dad, he helped me realize something very important. I had thought I was doing my grandpa a favor when I put lights on his house, but he had already done a far greater favor to me by living a godly life. Most of who I am today is a result of my dad’s godly influence, and most of his character he credits to his own father. I realized I was not only standing on my grandfather’s physical ladder, but also his spiritual one. It made me think, “What kind of heritage will I leave for my children one day?” As amazing as it is to have a godly heritage, it only takes one foolish life to break the cycle. What kind of spiritual legacy will my life leave behind for future generations to follow? Is my life improving on this tradition or destroying it? The foundations of a godly inheritance start today, but continue long after tomorrow.
“…clearly recalling your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois, then in your mother Eunice, and that I am convinced is in you also.” 2 Timothy 1:5
Mike Blackaby is 25 years old and is the college and young adult pastor at First Baptist Church in Jonesboro, GA. Mike loves to play music, loves to snowboard, play hockey, and cheers for the Colorado Avalanche. He is terrified of spiders, but loves reading fantasy novels, watching movies, taking road trips, building camp fires, and will do any roller coaster if someone goes with him. You can contact him via Facebook.