~ Tears of Legacy ~

 “Sometimes these days, I find that I just burst into tears. I never was this weepy, but I feel as if I’m unable to control my emotions”. A little more than a decade older, this fine gentleman and I have always enjoyed chatting over a coffee or a meal. The wisdom that he brings … the life experience that we share … provide conversations that are seldom silent.

Truthfully speaking … I’ve always found myself a fairly emotional person. Something which I imagine few are aware of. But in the same manner of this gentleman, these ‘senior’ years … closer to sixty-five, than sixty-four … how did that happen? Yes, in these ‘senior’ years I find that the tears flow more readily than before. And often, at the simplest of thoughts.

Two weeks ago, those tears were the result of a song by Matthew West. Called, ‘Hello My Name Is’, the verse that grabbed me was, “I’m no longer defined, by the wreckage behind. The One who is making all things new, has proven it’s true. Just take a look at my life”.

As I repeated the song, not once … not twice … no, likely ten or more times. What caused my life to change? What makes it so I’m no longer defined … yes, NO LONGER defined by the wreckage behind. There is plenty. How is this possible? I have only one answer … He, who is making all things new … wow! Just take a look at my life.

And the tears this morning. You’re gonna laugh … they were while writing graduation cards. As I said, Sometimes it’s “The simplest of thoughts”. But why? Four beautiful young ladies. All whom we’ve known since birth. Well, one since her adopted birth into a most wonderful family. And yes, just writing this required a moment to compose myself, as tears again began to flow.

~ This ... brings 'Joy' ~

These ladies are proceeding into a dark world. But, as I wrote in my most recent blog, “Called Out of Darkness”, His light is to shine through our lives, into the lives of others. Most of my tears were those of joy. The joy of watching the legacy of their families manifest itself through their very lives. A joy in knowing that they’ve received such an incredible foundation. A foundation from their families, and from the written word of God. And, a joy and hope that they will bring the very same to a hurting and broken world.

But my tears do not stop there. No, they are tears for my own legacy. As I pray for my children and grandchildren … to look at my life. To understand that I am ... that we … no longer have to be defined by the wreckage behind. Might they allow Him … The Creator of all things. The Redeemer of the broken … to change them as well.

Returning ... to my recent lunch with my friend. His hardships in the past decade would make most “burst into tears”. Yet, behind the tears, is a heart of joy. Not ... joy in the circumstances. Rather, joy in the providence of God. And upon his face … an unending smile. A smile that beams with the radiance … radiance that can only be bestowed by the grace of our Redeemer.

  

Oh ... one last thought. I in no means want to make myself any spiritual giant. I know ... that I am not! But ... could it be that we become more weepy with age, as we have had years of experiences. We've allowed the Savior to soften these old hearts ... in order to be sensitive to what He cares about most. And that is ... a broken  world. I can only hope that this is what these tears are about. Perhaps they are expressions of the Father Himself....