But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

2 Timothy 3:14-15 (NIV)

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I finished a devotional this morning by Chuck Swindoll, one of my favorite Bible teachers. A small book about the women of the Bible, it concluded with a lesson about Eunice and Lois, the mother and grandmother of Timothy. Any time I read something about being a mother or grandmother, my ears perk up, looking for any kind of hints that will serve me in those roles.

After sharing what Timothy had learned from the women in his life, he challenged the reader with, “Consider what you hope your life teaches.”

As I thought and prayed about it, I starting jotting down words and phrases in my journal as answers to this question. Most of them are the  result of doing it the wrong way but what good is growing older if we don’t learn something?

In no special order:

Never give up.

The end is not the end. Get up and keep going.

Life is not fair.

Take that second chance.

Perfection is not required, in fact, it is not desireable.

Grace is better than justice.

Forgive easily.

Never waste pain. Learn from it.

Be passionate about something.

Waiting is the hardest work of life.

Observe beauty around you. 

Don’t rush through life, enjoy the moment.

Cherish your friends.

Cling to your integrity.

Show compassion to the elderly.

People are more important than things.

Prayer is the lifeline to hope.

Always be learning.

God is bigger than your circumstances. He will never leave you.

Stay on God’s path. He has a plan for me.

The glass is half-full.

Choose joy. 

Grab on to hope.

We hear a lot about legacy in the news these days. What kind of legacy are you leaving to those you love? It doesn’t just happen but God gives grace and shows you how to love and live.

May your day be filled with good things and awash with God’s love.