A living legacy: Nels' life

     Lately, I have been musing on the word legacy. Perhaps having just passed another anniversary of Nels' death, may have got me to thinking. I found myself considering my own life and what kind of a legacy I am creating. 

     

     "A legacy is something bequeathed or transmitted to succeeding generations, usually thought of as property or money. Yet, I believe it is not just in our possessions, but in the quality of our lives while lived on earth. We are creating a legacy every day by each decision we make."

— Beulah Eagles

     

As Ghandi said, 
"Everyone has a message. My life is my message." 

     

     

     

     Reflecting on Nels' life and the message he left to his children and grandchildren, I see it as: a legacy of memories; a legacy of faith; a legacy of life; and, a legacy of love. 

  
     

     Nels' loved to share stories of his early days whenever he found a listening ear. Sharing family history seems to almost be a lost art these days. The stories once shared around the dining table, fireplace or, on the back porch, now seem to be an experience of the past. 
     

     Nels' enjoyed creating memories with his grandchildren: whether playing on the beach at Angel Island, California, with grandson Jonathan; looking for seashells on White Rock beach with Ashton and Brayden; enjoying the circus when it came to town, with Jordan and Nathan; or, trying to beat Sarah and her girlfriend Courtney at table games — Grandpa was always as enthusiastic as his young participants!   



     
     Perhaps, the greatest legacy one could leave to the generations that follow, is a legacy of faith. Nels decided early in his life to embrace a strong faith, one that would see him face the challenges of life with strength and courage. This faith enabled him to have integrity and honesty in the workplace. 
     As William Shakespeare aptly put it, 
"No legacy is so rich as honesty." 

     Nels always believed in, "a day's work for a day's pay." 

     One of his earlier decisions in life — to abstain from strong drink — didn't always bring him popularity with the crowd. But, his humble sense of self, helped him to stand strong in his beliefs. 

     

     Nels' life was a spirit-led one, conscious of allowing the Fruits of the Spirit to become increasingly evident in his life; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  (Galatians 5: 22-25)  

     It was evident to all that Nels had a big heart of love for God, for his family and for his fellow-man. Love is powerful. 

     

     Nels' unconditional love was understood and accepted by his growing family throughout the years. His main loves were: God, Family, and his Church, exactly, in that order.       

     
     Someone has said, 
"My father didn't tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it."    

     "It isn't how many years one spends on earth that matters, but the legacy left from your many."     

     And lastly... "Some of our best living is done by the people we leave behind."

— Unknown Quotes

     Nels, may the generations coming after you embrace the legacy you have left them: a life well-lived, priorities well-chosen, and values well-demonstrated.        

— beulah