Heritage

Heritage

Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage.

“THIS WAS YOUR GRANDMOTHER’S favorite brooch, and I’d like you to have it.” Hugging my aunt Claire tight, I whispered my thanks, trying not to get her with my wet tears as I clutched the small box with an antique brooch nestled safely inside. Not valuable by earthly standards, it is beautiful and precious to me.

My grandmother, Clara, died when I was very young, but the stories of her make me wish I could have had the opportunity to meet her as an adult so that I could sit with her in quiet conversation. She was a woman who persevered with grace, faith, and humor. She is a part of who I am, and her stories, her struggles are part of my heritage, the tangible and intangible things passed from one generation to the next.

But I am also the beneficiary of a spiritual heritage. The woman who poured out prayers over me and my young family while I sat bawling in a parking lot, giving me godly wisdom during a rough parenting phase, is a part of my spiritual heritage. The pastor of a tiny church who tucked me under her wing when I was a country girl living and attending school in a huge city for the first time is a part of my spiritual heritage. The friends who challenge me when I start to get a bit wriggly in my faith are a part of my spiritual heritage. My spiritual family has shaped me in ways as important as my bloodlines, and they are an equal part of my heritage, one that stands with me, for me, and around me. There is support, love, discipline, and accountability found in spiritual community, and it is part of our heritage.

Lord, may we recognize our spiritual heritage with a new appreciation, seeing those who have paved the way for us spiritually, who have helped us grow deeper in our relationship with you and with our outward expression of faith. Amen.

-Julie

One Good Step: How are you laying the spiritual groundwork for those who are coming up behind you? Take one concrete step toward building a spiritual heritage for someone else this week.