Pass it On

Listen, dear friends, to God's truth, bend your ears to what I tell you. 
   I'm chewing on the morsel of a proverb; 
      I'll let you in on the sweet old truths, 
   Stories we heard from our fathers, 
      counsel we learned at our mother's knee. 
   We're not keeping this to ourselves, 
      we're passing it along to the next generation— 
   God's fame and fortune, 
      the marvelous things he has done.  Psalm 78:1-4 The Message

Antiques have different meanings to different people. I've always marveled at how much a dainty antique dish can bring at an auction, while a much more beautiful and charming piece goes for pennies on the dollar in comparison. I have family members that are always looking for that unique antique to carry home with them. Their house is filled with pieces of history.

I do have a few antiques in my home, but the difference is that every antique I own has some type of inherent value. The items weren't purchased by me, but came to me in different ways. My crown jewel antique is my china closet that was my great grandmother's. Inside I have personal trinkets that special people have given to me or have been passed down to me throughout my life. All the items arrived in my life through the hands and hearts of those I love. Each week when I dust it, I peek inside and take a little trip down memory lane with one of the gifts  that seems to catch my eye that week.

I, like anyone, can see the beauty in many antiques, and I can understand the calling many feel to honor the past through the things that were once used and touched by our ancestors. For me, personally, I cherish the antiques that are more than just a piece of history. I want to hold dear the sensation of connecting to someone special that has played a role in my becoming who I am today. I want to look at that chipped piece of depression glass and visualize a great grandmother pulling out her best dishes during the depression and try to imagine what life was like for her. A small worn duck reminds me of time spent with my grandmother laughing and cooking together.  I want to gaze at that hand-made gift from one of my children and remember their smiling faces when they were young. These antiques are chosen antiques that hold personal value and are symbolic to how love has shaped my life. They are only reminders to keep these people in my heart and mind. What treasures!

As Christians, we have a deep and profound responsibility to share the Good News in whatever ways we can, but there is nothing more important than helping teach our children God's Word and trusting the Holy Spirit to bring them to our Father. Is there any greater reward than passing on the knowledge that God's love is so vast that they can always dwell in His presence?  Psalm 78 reminds us that we have a mission to fulfill as we pass on to future generations the gifts we have come to know. This isn't an antique that can be picked up at a sale and placed on a shelf. It's a blessing that is being passed on from one generation to the next that has deep meaning and is a treasure to be cherished!

Let us pray:
Heavenly Father,
The world is a very fast paced and ever changing place. Help us to share with our children the knowledge and understandings that you continue to bring into our daily lives. Give them strength to stand for what is right and the ability to serve you with wisdom and respect. Let them come to know that there is no greater Love.
Amen