Men, what do you think of when you hear the word “legacy”?

If you’re like me, you’ve cringed at the thought of not being able to leave your family a larger estate at the end of life’s journey. Let’s face it: we usually associate “legacy” with fame and fortune, clout and capital. Memorial tributes to several celebrities in recent days have done nothing to diminish that view.

Graciously, God has been whispering to me lately that my greatest legacy will be seen in the lives of the children and grandchildren who come after me. The Psalmist instructs us as men to model God’s character and sew his commandments into the fabric of family life … “so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands” (Psalm 78:6-7 NIV).

Wow! I can have an impact on generations yet to be born! Now that’s what I call a legacy.

Dads, we underestimate how much influence we have with in shaping our sons and daughters. Granddads, your role is still valuable. It gives some of us a second chance to follow our heavenly Father’s example in loving unconditionally, sacrificially.

As we commend God’s works to another generation (Psalm 145:4), he will be faithful to grant us a legacy of children who put their trust in him.

Check out CTA’s new Living a Legacy product line for Grandparents Day and other occasions.