Influence determines Legacy

I visited my granddad last week. He is 93 years old.

He just got back from rehab after a small stroke, but he’s still in decent health. He lives a simple life.

He doesn’t have many possessions or valuable assets to pass on. He kept saying how he has so much to be thankful for. He was joyful and thankful over the 3 kids, 10 grandkids, and 31 great grand-kids that he has and how the faith that he has continues through the generations.

What an awesome legacy to pass on strong character and a faith life to 44 family members and many others as well.

Influence determines legacy

To be transparent, I always wanted a boy.

We thought for sure our first kid would be a boy.  Certainly the next one would be a boy.

I now have four daughters.

Growing up I only had sisters, and no Bodlien boy cousins. Which means that I am the last of the Bodlien family that we know of who can carry on the family name. I might be able to even file for status of ‘endangered species.’ Everyone has always been so kind as to remind me of my familial responsibility to have a boy with each new child. Most of this is in jest and doesn’t bother me though.

I can’t say this has been a deep struggle for me, but I’ve definitely prayed hard and tried hard to get a baby boy, because I guess my chromosome determines gender (sorry for the awkwardness). It just hasn’t been in Gods plan and by Gods peace I’ve been ok with that. The pressure has been off me, because there isn’t whole lot outside of a test tube that I can do about it. It’s out of my control and in Gods hands. God has definitely showed me clearly that:

Legacy is not:

1. A Name (Bodlien)

2. A Male gendered baby

Legacy is Influence:

1. Influence in the life of my wife

2. Influence in the lives of my daughters

3. Influence in the lives anyone who I connect with

Legacy is how far our influence travels

What vehicle are you trusting to carry on your legacy? A name? A bank account? A male baby boy?

OR

Are your positively influencing family and others around you for the long-term?

My granddad won’t be remembered for any reasons of fame or fortune, but his influence of faith and character is already echoing in the lives of my own daughters and I’m certain it will travel far beyond them as well.