Passing on a legacy to the next generation is something that I am deeply passionate about. Deuteronomy 6:7 says, “You shall teach [God’s commands] diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up.” Ron and I have certainly tried to do this with our 5 year old son, Reese.
During a car ride, our family was discussing our future adoption… we were all dreaming together a bit about how old the child may be, what he/she will be like, etc., when Reese said, “Is this kid going to be my responsibility?” I thought that was a great question and an open door for us to have a meaningful conversation.
I told him that he will not be responsible for his brother or sister but that because God loves us he does have a responsibility to be kind and to love his sibling. Out of that love, I explained, that he may want to teach his sibling things… begin passing on a legacy to his little brother or sister. “What type of things?” he asked. I began listing things, “teach him/her what you know about God and the Bible, maybe how to read, how to use the potty,” and then jokingly I added “or how to pick their nose!”
Reese then responded in all sincerity and seriousness, “Well, that’s easy, Mommy. All you have to do is stick just one finger up there, but if it is in the top and front side of your nose – you can use your thumb to scoop it out.” 🙂
This is not the legacy I thought I was leaving with Reese, but of course it is a great reminder of the many ways God gives us joy.