When life is over and everything is gone what will have mattered most in creating your legacy?
I've probably asked similar questions dozens of times in my life - thinking I really had a handle on what mattered most. Three days ago we lost most of our earthly treasures in a fire that burned our wonderful log home. Lost is my Grandma's hope chest that my Grandpa made her for a wedding present. Lost are the shoes my father and his family before him wore for years dating from the 1700's. Lost are so many things that are irreplaceable. I wish I could say that I am doing great because I had cut all my ties to earthly things a long time ago. But my heart reflects a deep sadness beyond my ability to communicate.
There are things I wish I could have passed down to my children from their grandfather, my dad, who is one of my hero's but I will not be able to do so. As I told my mother about these losses she quoted an old familiar hymn, "The things of earth will go strangely dim, in the light of his presence and grace." It has become my 93 year old mother's mantra. She's ready - she wants to go to heaven... there is really nothing to hold her back any more. She has let go of all her earthly ties. I've learned I am not there yet. But I am well on my way.
My awesome wife, Linny, saved all 6 kids. I have my wife & all of my children. I am a blessed man. I will invest my life making sure they are my true legacy. I can not take the things with me to heaven, I can lead them all to Jesus and we will spend eternity together.
I will also invest in others - to help them become all that God has created to them to be.
Love God, love others, give my life away! That's how I wish to live that is how I wish to be remembered. I'm not there yet - but I am so keenly aware - when it's all gone, "The things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of his presence and grace."
Dwight,
ReplyDeleteYou guys blow me away! I don't think I have ever met Christians that live God as much as you guys do. It saddens me that more people aren't like that. I want to be there, I want to live my life trusting every second of it to God. Thank you both for sharing your lives with us and I can't tell you how much you both have pushed me in my own walk with God.
DW,
ReplyDeleteSo glad God made you just the way you are!!! You and Linn are changing this world one story at a time!
Dw,
ReplyDeleteThank you for your honesty, your example and your legacy. I know your heart is heavy... but please know we are all lifting you up in prayer and asking God be your compelete healer best friend. You are an amazing example to us all of what a Godly father and husband looks like. In your brutal honesty and truth about what you are going through...you shine. Your legacy is your awesome family... and we are praying for every single one of you. Peace to you my friend, Jen
It is very hard to remember that here on earth. Watching you guys make me do some soul searching on investing in the important things
ReplyDeleteChris
*Hugs to you*
ReplyDeleteYou guys have been in my every thought and prayer this week!
I am SO excited to say I just subscribed to The River Church podcast's and am listening to your sermon's now! It's been far too long since I heard one of your sermons! I am tickled to have a way to do so, while on opposite sides of the country!
I am praying that all the comfort you have brought to my family and so many over the years, will be multiplied by thousands and given to you in this difficult time!
Much love,
Marcie (McMillian) Mann
Your family is so amazing Dwight. We continue to keep you in our prayers! Blessings, Lisa C.
ReplyDeletetears and prayers....
ReplyDeleteHi Dwight,
ReplyDeleteI checked your blog last week and there weren't any new posts. And now this morning, there are two new ones! Way to go, you blogging machine!!
I was thanking God this morning for Linn having the ability to get all of your children out of the house safely. What a blessing that is, even in the midst of this tragedy. I continue to pray for all of you a ton throughout each day (and even when I wake up in the middle of the night!). God knows the needs and He is well in control! He is Jehovah Jireh and He will provide! Yes & Amen!!
Your legacy is already so rich, Dwight. Your advocacy for the plight of the orphan is something that is so dear to the FAther. Your leadership in our church, your example as a godly husband & father, your commitment to life.....all these are a part of your legacy.
My heart continued to break yesterday as you & Linn shared at church. I was crying with you (literally!) and I continue to grieve your losses. I cannot comprehend what this is like for you and your family. However, there is a deep sadness and heaviness on my heart for all of you. And yet there is also a joyful anticipation to see what God will bring from all this - the amazing miracles, the powerful testimonies, the unimaginable blessings!
Love & hugs to all of you from me!
Oh how I love that old hymn. Our prayers continue to be with you and your precious family.
ReplyDeleteHi Dwight,
ReplyDeleteI posted a comment on Monday, but I got an error message so it never went through. So I'll try again.
I was very touched and moved by what you & Linn shared at church on Sunday. I sat there crying, not able to understand the depth of your loss, grief and devastation, but my heart has been breaking for you and your family. I continue to pray, pray, pray. I trust that God will provide for all of you in ways that are beyond what we can dream or imagine!
You are so right - our earthly "treasures" will all be gone, whether we lose them in a fire while we are still here, or we leave them behind when we go to heaven. Our true treasures will be those we have invested in for heaven. What a legacy you will have, Dwight. Thank you for the reminder - I still hold on to so many earthly things, and I really want to let go so I can invest more in heavenly treasure. God bless you and your family as you go through this difficult time! I know you are seeing Him in incredible ways. Thanks for sharing with us.
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