“O God, from my youth You have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds.  So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come.” (Psalm 71:17-18)

We were recently talking with one of my cousins and her husband about the family, ancestry and the family tree.  All of the older folks have gone on to be with the Lord.  Now, we’re the ones at the top of the family tree!

It’s what the cycle of life is all about, isn’t it?  We are born, we live, then we die to then spend eternity in one of two places, heaven or hell!  It’s that time when we are actually closer to the end that at the beginning where grandparents come in.

The enthusiasm and sheer energy that seem to never let up and appears to be more than enough for the younger generations and those of us who are around them … can and should be contagious for us older folks!

I now know all the names of the engines for Thomas the Train!  Yikes! I know all of Daniel Tiger’s family and friends!  Whoa …

Yes, they bring so much joy and life to us … but it is also a privilege of being older that brings with it a set of responsibilities peculiar to us alone!  Not the least of which is to help our grandchildren grow up loving the Lord and each other!

• Respecting their parent’s words and instructions!
• Respecting God and His Word as their moral compass!
• Respecting others!
• Becoming young people with genuine character!

That my friend is the kind of legacy this grandfather wants to leave.  To hear them say, “he is so much fun to be around and to be with!”  Yes, that’s what I want to hear.  But more than any accolade of life … I want them to say, “he always encouraged us to do the right thing.”  To hear them say, “He sure does love the Lord, the Word and God’s people and us!”  Amen!

So thankful that the Lord has allowed me the privilege to live long enough to be on the top limb!

Bill Fairchild, Jr.