Leaving A Legacy

Years ago after my grandparents passed on I found myself wishing I had asked them specific questions about their lives and last month I found myself feeling the same way when my mother died. Even though I was blessed to have spent so much time with her I still found myself with unanswered questions.

So I've decided to create a project "Leaving A Legacy" with our Women's Ministry group at church and thought I would share it with all of you. I hope you are inspired to create your own legacy project for your family.

The Leaving A Legacy project will be unique to you and your story! You can add as much or as little as you want and it can be as simple as you writing a letter to each of your children or grandchildren about why they are so special to you.

Here's a list of ideas to think about:

• Add photos of you and your spouse as a child or your college years

• Add your favorite vacation & share why it was so memorable

• Add your favorite Bible verses and list why, which ones encouraged you the most?

• How did you overcome struggles in your life?

• Where did you find strength?

• What's your favorite hymns, Christian music or favorite color & number?

• What is your favorite memories of your children when they were younger?

• Add photos of your child, family vacations, grandparents etc.

• Favorite quotes

• You could even add your favorite food recipes (perhaps from holidays or your child's favorite meals)

• What is something you can give your child that will lift their spirit and encourage them when you are gone? Words of affirmation have a lasting impression on our lives, let's give this precious gift to our children. I would even encourage you to do the project with your kids so that they can hear the stories from you directly. You can do this for your siblings, your nieces and nephews as well!

As I began thinking about my own life and how little my kids know about me, I wanted to share my journey with them in hopes that they will be inspired and encouraged when they need it most long after I'm gone.

My personal legacy project will consist of my life's journey and how I overcame obstacles. What it was like to be hearing impaired, how I found comfort and strength in God's word along with my favorite hymns & Christian music, my favorite music growing up. It will also include photo's of Curt & I, our kids and family vacations. I'll share why my Grandma Bradford was so inspirational to me and how I was blessed to be a mom.

What would you include in your project?

1 Thessalonians 5:11

Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

How to being:

• Compile a list of topics you would like to talk about.

• As you think of your favorite memories include those photos as well if you have them.

• End your project with a letter to each child, let them know why they are amazing human beings. Give them words of affirmation that will uplift and strengthen their spirits when they are struggling in life.

As we all know from experience no one is exempt from hardships, we will all face trying times in life and when you have someone who encourages you, it makes it easier to overcome them.

Whatever you decide to share with your kids will be a blessing for them. Just remember to make your project unique to your family! There is no wrong or right way to do this...

I pray you are blessed during the process and that your kids will also be blessed by your thoughtfulness and words of affirmation!

Hebrews 12:1

Let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

Written by: Jill Theriault

Crossroads Coaching - @crossroadscoachingongodstime