My son, keep my words and store up my commands within you...
Write them on the tablet of your heart.
Proverbs 7:3
What's your favorite day of the year? I suppose most people would answer Christmas or their birthday. A football fanatic might say Super Bowl Sunday. Or someone prepared with the Sunday School answer would offer Easter Sunday.
Mine is June 5th. It passes each year in virtual obscurity, celebrated by a scraggly little band of six, two of whom don't even comprehend its significance. June 5th is the day I became Scott's bride but it's also the day we became a family.
Each year we mark its passing with a family celebration. Shopping is accomplished. Delicious food is consumed. In truth none of this even matters to me. The final gift of the day is the one I most cherish.
Scott writes an annual letter to each of his five girls. He celebrates God's goodness to our family through struggle and triumph. He observes God's unique gifts in each heart and life. I cry from the first word to the last.
When Scott was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 we had no idea whether we had six more months or six decades as a family. In truth none of do. Part of the peace I carried in my heart during Scott's cancer was knowing our children had a written record of his great love for them. They had a place they could return again and again to soak in their father's love.
My friend, Jeff Goin, wrote yesterday about a trophy his father had given him. He has a visible symbol of his father's love. Scott's letter is the same.
What will your kids read or hold after you're gone? What message will their heart receive? Why not take a moment today to leave an intentional, tangible legacy with your kids?
Love your thought provoking post. Thankfully, I keep a journal that has recorded a big portion of my life since I was 13 years old. My journals are kept in my cedar chest where the kids know they are located. My older daughters used to read the journals from my teenage years and mostly laugh, but they said they did glean a few tid-bits of wisdom from them.
ReplyDeleteMy testimony of Jesus Christ is found through out my journals and I hope that this is the most important thing my posterity will learn from reading them.
That is precious. I'm sure my girls would laugh too if they read my teenage thoughts. I can only imagine... :)
DeleteThis is SO important. I am so thankful for the written words my mom left behind for me. I treasure those words. I am doing the same thing for my son.
ReplyDeleteEileen, what precious treasures. Even better you're passing it on. Love it!
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to keep memories. That really is something that all of you can cherish forever. Written words can be so much more important than "things". Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
ReplyDeleteEvery letter is so touching. I treasure them all!
DeleteWhat a beautiful message and hope that your husband is recuperating. I know God has guided to where you need to be, to be the best mom, wife, and woman --- especially in these times. Leaving a legacy to your kids can be so important. Thanks for the message and for sharing such a touching story.
ReplyDeleteScott is 100% cancer free and God deserves all the praise for it! So thankful we have many more annual letters to come!
DeleteI couldn't agree more. leaving a love note at every birthday, holiday, would give them a lifetime of letters to reflect on. Thank you so much for this idea.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Scott read a book called "Letters from Dad" that inspired him to do this. It turns out the vast majority of the population only has hand written notes from their moms but nothing from their dads. Scott wants to change that. :)
DeleteI've been cleaning this week and happened upon a few old journals and creative writing papers--I read one to my daughter about how different the people in my life were/are she found it interesting. I kept one when I was preggers with h, 11 years ago--not one after, I've made a few scrap books and then started blogging. I guess in those things are still some great memories, but keeping a journal is something I should really start up again =)
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt your kids would love it!
DeleteOh Shannon, that is a question I ask myself every single day. I hope my blog would reflect a legacy to them, but then I think...will it really? Probably not. Other than showing them who I am and my love for God. What I need is something more tangible for them. Thanks for the inspiration to continue seeking out a way to do this. By the way, I had no idea Scott had cancer a few years ago. Is he still struggling through it or is it long gone? Either way, I'm saying a special prayer for you and your family this morning.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, friend.
Rosann
2009 was a big year for us Rosann. Scott was diagnosed with cancer and left his corporate job for a church job all in one year. Today we are so thankful he's using his gifts for God and is 100% cancer free. :)
DeleteI have baby boxes for each of my children that have a little something from each year of their lives (I still add to my oldest son's box even, and he's married...and his wife I just heard is having a baby, woo hoo!). They all know they have one, and they all really enjoy going through them from time to time. Each box also has their baby book, which I have to admit are all pretty extensive. I was really good about documenting their baby time, and looking back, I'm glad that I was.
ReplyDeleteI love the letters. How wonderful for your children and your husband too!
That is so precious. I love that you are still adding to the treasure trove for each child. How sweet!
DeleteOh, what a nice blog to read. Thank you. You give me an idea, to write a letter to my children ...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely and I know you'd have wonderful things to say!
DeleteShannon.... I am speechless right now... God bless you and Scott! What a beautiful gift Scott has given your children.. quite honestly my eyes are tear filled as I write this, and my heart is so full of love after reading this. I leave my children my blog which was created for them with a legacy in mind. With God's grace, I wish you all much peace and many, many blessings, Carla
ReplyDeleteThat is one of the reasons I started blogging as well - to leave my children a legacy of their Mommy's relationship with God. :)
DeleteShannon, reading this was beautiful for me. My wheels are turning... :) ~ Blessings sister, Amy
ReplyDeleteAnd you have great thoughts...
DeleteWow, I love that your husband writes a letter to each of his kids once a year. That will be such a treasure for them when they grow up.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely. They each have their own special notebook to keep them in. It's very sweet. :)
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