For we brought nothing into the world just as we shall not be able to take anything out of it.
Have you ever looked at a new mom or grandmother holding a newborn baby?
Not sure why but there is magic in their eyes. Love does not describe the look. Hope doesn’t either. Precious maybe, although I have heard a grandfather say in jest that if my butcher presented a cut of meat that looked like a certain baby, that he would get a new butcher.
As we grow older we find that true beauty comes from within and not from without. True wealth does not come from money or things or fame. The things we bring into the world are the faith of ancestors who have showed us the way and when we leave this earth our wealth in the seeds of faith that we have planted in our friends, relatives and faith community after we die.
My Mom, Mary Burford, died in Hospice in 1998 at the tender age of 88. Just like all of you who have Mothers in Heaven, I miss her. No, I am not teary eyed because I am thankful she is no longer in pain. I still miss her though.
Instead, pursue righteousness, devotion, faith , love, patience, and gentleness. Compete well for faith. Lay hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made the noble confession in the presence of many witnesses. This is what my mother’s life was. She was not a millionaire but her wealth took the form of righteousness.
Funny story, the Polish word for Grandmother is “Busia”. My Mom’s grandchildren would call her “Busia” at Church and before long everyone at Church was calling her “Busia”, even the Priest. Now it wasn’t a mistake, because they knew my mother’s name. It was a sign of respect. My mother’s life was the picture of faith, love, patience and gentleness and it was reflected in her actions and her life. This was her wealth and legacy. This will be our emotional legacy when we leave this world.
My Mom did not marry till late in life and refused suitors because my grandmother was a widow and she helped out with her nine children. She would give her pay to her mother and baby sat the youngest. All my Uncles and Aunts and some of their children loved my Mom because of her gentle loving nature. One of my Mom’s suitors was named “Robert” and when my Mom finally married my Dad and had me, the result was out of the many names offered for a male son which was “Robert”.
I know there are going to be people who read this and work hard for their families and Churches. Yes go on working. I am not trying to change your work ethic. However, we also need to focus our lives on the pursuit of righteousness so that presence of many witnesses the world will know it. You may not have the title of “Busia” but they will know you by your faith and the good you do. Yes, you can take that with you when you die.
God Love You Always,
Bob Burford
Picture Credit:“Baby Center” by Joe Shlabotnik is licensed under CC BY 2.0
PS: Please pray for Bill, Paul, Kathryn and Anna who have Cancer
