A Life for a Legacy
We had a passing in the family recently, it wasn't unexpected, they left this world on good terms and good spirits.
Through the ceremony and the reflection, it really made me think about the impact of a legacy and what it means to leave one.
I spoke with my father about his parents who passed many years ago after spending 100 years on this earth. His parents lived in Bancroft Ontario as humble farmers. They worked hard, they raised a family, and they didn't take risks. Having gone through many financial crises and depressions, world wars, they were very frugal with their money. Much like many others their age, they didn't trust the banks or the system... upon my grandmothers passing, the siblings found upwards of 400k in cash hidden around the house. Tucked away in Bibles, shoe boxes, old cerial boxes at the back of the cupboard, they truely came from a different time.
After their passing, what was left was the accumulation of 100 years of work and effort. A collection of assets that they worked their entire lives building.
Late nights in the fields, trips away from the family, countless labour caused injuries, sacrifice and hardship so that the next generation could prosper, right?
The will was read, the assets sold, the inheritance distributed. My father was one of 5 living siblings, and each of them recieved about $80,000.
An entire life of sacrifice, frugality, hard labour, missed events and opportunities trying to build a better life for the next generation. The inheritance was gone within months. The entire accumulation of 100 years, gone within 6 months. In it's place, some bathroom renovations and a new fridge. What a legacy.
My grandfather was born and died in the exact same bed, in the exact same house, in the exact same bedroom. Sure, the bloodline lives on, but the next generation was no better set up for a better life.
My grandparents were people of faith. They loved God, they were devoted members of the church, they volunteered their time and money to evangelism and spreading his word.
A verse that has been deeply ingrained in me is Proverbs 13:22 - A good person leaves an inheritance for their children's children.
A fridge and a new bathroom... A far cry from an inheritance bountiful enough for their children's children.
So what's the point? I know money isn't everything, and we weren't put on this earth strictly to accumulate. There's love and experiences, and living a full life, that which I believe they did.
That being said, building a multi generational legacy is biblical and important. Giving the next generation the tools to allow them to focus on more meaningful change in the world and less worry about how they'll put the next meal on the table.
This is my driving force and where I find encouragement. A Life well lived is one with experience, joy, and abundance. My motivation is building enough abundance for my children's children to prosper. Not just enough to coast into retirement.
We all have an incredible opportunity in the world we live in today.
Take it seriously. Find motivation and purpose.
Don't squander it.
