The Greatest Gift a Parent Can Give?

A little over a week ago my family gathered for a family reunion and to celebrate my mom's 90th birthday.  Even though our family is not large, we had not all been together in a very long time and our family had changed considerably since our last family photo had been taken.  We had a wonderful time renewing our relationships and talking and sharing about what had been going on in our lives in the past years. 

Even more important was that this event was in honor of my mother's birthday.  She enjoyed the time with her family as well and many memories were created for her to think about as she looks over the many pictures that were taken.

We all had the opportunity to present her with a flower and share a funny story, or something special we remembered in our relationship with her.  A wide variety of things were shared, but through it all the message came through loud and clear that she is loved and appreciated! 

Many years ago when my children were little I heard a song which also became one of my favorites.  It was sung by Steve and Annie Chapman and is entitled “The Greatest Gift”.  I’d like to share the words of that song with you because they represent the life that my Mom and Dad lived daily before us all.

THE GREATEST GIFT

You can give your children houses, You can give them land

The riches of your efforts, And all your best laid plans

But of all that they inherit, Of all that you could will

Please include the unseen treasure of a life that God has filled.

'Cause the greatest gift a father can give is a life lived for Jesus

And the greatest gift a mother can give is the knowledge of the LORD

Pass it on to your children, He’s the gift that keeps on giving

The greatest gift is a life lived for Jesus.

One day the house will crumble, Time will turn the land to dust

And when all accounts are empty, Where will you invest their trust

But if the riches that you give them is the wisdom of His ways

Then the wealth you’ll leave your children will last through all their days.

'Cause the greatest gift a father can give is a life lived for Jesus

And the greatest gift a mother can give is the knowledge of the LORD

Pass it on to your children, He’s the gift that keeps on giving

The greatest gift is a life lived for Jesus.

Mother, you and Daddy gave us the best inheritance already.  As you celebrate this 90^th birthday rest in the knowledge that you have given us “the greatest gift” a father and mother can give.  I am so thankful for the legacy of faith that you have given our family…so grateful that you have instilled in us a love for the Lord and a faith that knows no bounds.