Creating a legacy

In the midst of the avalanche of parenting theories, how-to manuals, educational helps and self-help books, there is something more important to remember.

As I look back at my grandmothers' lives, and the lives of my grandfathers, one thing remains with me - an example I want to pass on (though I fail too often at this, in the business of life). Their example can also be seen in John Piper's tribute to his father. Well worth a read.

My Nan, who passed away last week, was cruelly struck down by dementia. But in my early years, her joy in her saviour was evident to everyone. Likewise, my other Grandmother demonstrated her love for Christ in many ways, and she was blessed with a clear mind and strong voice right to the end. Like John Piper's father, they created a legacy by their infectious joy and faith.

I don't know how well I am doing in terms of teaching my children about the world. I am not particularly good at sitting them down to teach them literacy or numeracy. It's been quite some time since I got out the easel to let them paint or draw. But one thing I pray that I do pass on. I pray that my children will see how much I love the Lord Jesus Christ, and I pray that they will grow to love him just as much, if not more.

That's the legacy I want to pass on.

In Memoriam

My grandmother loved to sing. This was one of her all-time favourites:


To God be the glory, great things He has done,
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life, an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gates that all may go in.

Refrain
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear His voice,
Praise the Lord!
Praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the son
And give Him the glory great things He has done

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood,
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Refrain

Great things he has taught us, great things he has done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the son
But purer, and higher, and greater will be
Our wonder, our transport, when Jesus we see.

Refrain

Words: Fanny Crosby
Music: W. Howard Doane

Social commentary

The Sims has long been a fixture in the world of computer games. For years now, real humans have been able to play house, grow, employ or destroy pretend humans in a virtual world. Recently, the third incarnation of the Sims was released. Unsurprisingly, it's called The Sims 3.

There's a fascinating blog called "Alice and Kev", where a games student from the UK has experimented with creating a homeless family, and seeing what happens to them over time. It's an interesting look.

Passing...

I've been absent from the blog for some time now. Last Wednesday, at about 9:10am, my last remaining grandparent passed away.

Pearl had a troubled last few decades, suffering from dementia for 20 years; far longer than most.
Her fighting spirit was a feature of her life. She fought against becoming a Christian (though she gave in on that one, and became a member of the choir at one of the last Billy Graham crusades in Sydney). She fought against losing her memory. She fought against the strokes and fits that robbed her of her speech and ability to walk. But in the end she did not lose her smile, the twinkle in her eye, nor her love for her Lord Jesus. Thankfully, she has no need to fight anymore.

She leaves behind her a small family who misses her, and many others who remember her cheerful and active service in years gone by. However, for the past 15 years, my mother has been doing laundry, visiting hostels and nursing homes and organising care for her own mother. Her absence will be keenly felt.

Her funeral is this week.