An Antique Trunk

An Antique Trunk … or something more?

What do you have that just shouts “Legacy”? What do you have that connects you to previous generations?

There are pieces of furniture in my possession that mean a lot to me. Some date back over a century. My grandfather, Roy, passed away decades ago. One of his skills was taking old furniture, furniture disposed of by others, and reclaiming them, repurposing their parts, or just refurbishing them – making them objects that now are desired by others. I have a desk/table that was shaped out of old church pews. This is kind of cool. I have dressers and chests of drawers dating back to before my parents wedding (early 1950s). And I have kitchen table that also was on our family home for half a century.

There is a water table, some chairs and a miniature travel trunk dating back to possibly 1800s.  Add to this some homemade quilts, doilies, lead glass bottles and other paraphernalia. And a true treasure are the Bibles my father and his father used to preach from.

These connect me to my parents. I sense the presence of my grandparents in them. I imagine them using the trunk when they moved from Missouri to Mount Airy, NC.  Did my great grandparents use them? What was in the trunk? Where did they get it? Was it a child’s (being so small)?

Legacy.

You can see the chest and the water table in the above picture.

Maybe you have some items as well. Items that carry your family name, your ancestors’ stories, and a heritage.  I have lost a few over the years. Chairs have broken and beyond my repair. A few items have been given to nephews or other members of the Estes heritage. A couple have been claimed by my son and daughter-in-law.

But where will the ones I still have be in 30 years? What do I have that will be a legacy to Sammy (my first and presently only grandchild)?  What will mean something to him?  I am not a hoarder, so his pickin’s are slim.

The actual “item” has relevance and carries a story – but the power is in the legacy, the connection.

I hope they continue to tell the story of a family, of individuals, that loved God, served Him wherever they were sent, and were bold in telling their story that centers around Jesus.  Perfect? Not at all. But my story os one of grace, forgiveness, mercy, and His love for, in and through me.

Lessons to take away …

• Write your story down so it can be there when you are not. Me, I have this blog. Where will they find your story?
• Write down the story behind the items of legacy. Pass along the stories like the table out of church pews. Connect the legacy, the stories, to the items.
• If possible, get the stories from the ones that are before you. A time will come their knowledge will pass away

Final challenge – think of the legacy you are leaving.  Will it magnify you, or will it magnify Christ?  You only leave one. Make it count.