Invisible things…

Invisible things…

Many times, when we think of legacy, we talk about leaving something behind for the next generation(s). Our thoughts tend to drift and lead the conversation toward money. Financial. Wealth. That’s not a terrible thing, although it does bring with it many inherent dangers. But today I want to talk about something else we should be passing along. These are invisible things. Let me explain.

I believe the GREATER part of our legacy is made up of invisible things. Money is actually the easy part of leaving a legacy. Yet if we really look at it, we have SO much more to steward. We should begin by taking an ‘inventory’ of these things and make sure we pass them along for our generations to come.

These invisible, or intangible things, are those that leave lasting impressions. Would you rather be remembered by, or do you think you will be remembered by your children and grandchildren, only for the thousands you left them after you pass away? If we are honest, we know that once that money is spent, and sometimes what it is spent on, will be forgotten pretty quickly. Wouldn’t you rather be remembered for the times you spent with them? Those are the ‘invisibles’, or intangibles, I’m speaking about.

What other things should we leave? What should go on our inventory list? Recently, my daughter’s church had a 3 day conference, youth and all. The kids were excited to sign up for it. I thank God they love church! But when they got the chance, and were offered to spend the day with my wife and me, they quickly begged off the day at the church for a day with us. We have beautiful memories of the farmer’s market we take them to. This is a place where they can jump into a pool of – wait for it – kernels of corn! Or, when we go to the large, annual ‘farm show’ we have here in Pennsylvania. What about the time they just missed seeing a new calf born (thank goodness, we didn’t have to talk about the facts of life! LOL) Or, learning what calling ‘shotgun’ means when we’re all jumping into the car together.

My last thought is that we need to COMMUNICATE the importance of these non-monetary things to the next generation. And THAT will be the topic of another article some day. What we realize in our old age (mature? LOL) are the things of life that are so precious. The beautiful things God created that we all too often take for granted yet put a smile on our faces, or dare I say, really give us joy. I look out over my neighborhood every morning to see the bright, orange sun rising over the rooftops. It’s incredible. And the memory of our visit to Hawaii – the sunset! A beautiful rose – the smell of it! Things we savor in our maturity from our memories are a must for being taught to our next generations so they don’t wait as long to realize the joys.

Sometimes it’s the very small things. A spouse puts their hand on your shoulder or your back and gives you a comforting pat or rub. The light touch of someone’s hand as they simply talk to you while making a point about something. I had coffee just this morning with my daughter and two of her children ages 3 and 18 months. Their smiles, their joy over a simple toy they’re playing with – wow, so simple, something so little, yet priceless.

We should be teaching the next generations how to experience these joys. Life should be lived simply. We need to leave THAT kind of legacy – enjoying these small things and being faithful and good stewards with what is in front of you, put there by God. That’s what I hope for my kids and grandkids.

Don Schin has extensive global experience in Asia with Fortune 500 companies. He now owns a franchise broker and consulting company. Don is a seasoned professional speaker and writer, authoring the book, “Can you Relate?” Don is active in his community where his time is devoted to men’s groups, local churches, and non-profit boards including recent past chair of the Bethesda Mission, the largest rescue mission in Harrisburg, PA. He also served as the chaplain for an AA baseball team through BaseballChapel.org. Don enjoys spending time with his wife, Kim, of 45 years. They have two grown children and seven grandchildren.