Generations...

I love the music of Sara Groves. It seems to speak to my heart in such a personal way. She has a song called "Generations" that speaks of our legacy we leave for those who come after us. It speaks of choices that we can make to either pass on a curse or a blessing to those we may never know. That is such a powerful thought to me. What will my great-great grand children's lives be like - will my faithfulness or lack thereof have an effect on them?

The picture is of my grandmother, Margaret Jane Nuchols, or Maggie as she was known. She had a profound influence on my life. She was a prayer warrior and always let me know she was praying for me. When I think back to my younger (and wilder) days I can't help but think it was her prayers that had been sent forth that protected me in many ways. She had a hard life. She had a strength about her from those hard years though. Through it all she had an unwavering faith. Growing up I spent a lot of time with her. She always made me feel special and important. I have such fond memories of her yard. Surrounded by a hedge fence and full of roses, hydrangeas and iris; it seemed like a fairytale land to me as a little girl. Even now when I walk out into my yard in the cool of a summer morning and cut hydrangea blossoms it gives me this overwhelming peace and calm in my spirit.

She died when I was pregnant with my second child and I still feel that loss today- and regret for not valuing her more when she was here. It's a sobering thought- the influence we have on others- especially those closest to us. Not to replace God in anyway- just the thought that my actions and my faith (or lack thereof) and prayers (or lack thereof) will have consequences long after I'm gone. Will my grandchildren speak fondly of me when I'm gone? Will they share with their children that their great grandmother was a women of faith and loved the Lord?

I hope so.