On Thursday of last week, I received a small check in the mail.  This check was my portion of the estate of my late father and mother.  Dad passed last September, followed by my mother in November.  It was final.  Estate closed.

I stood holding the check in my hands, with tears in my eyes, thinking to myself, "Not much to show for a lifetime of work is it Dad?"  Fruit farmers in Michigan rarely ever become millionaires.  But, Dad and Mom always took good care of their eight kids.  And, we always had plenty of fresh fruit to eat right off the tree when it was in season.

Max and Betty Lane left more of a legacy than any amount on a check.  They were people of faith, raising us kids in church each Sunday.  I can think of no greater legacy to leave our children than the love and knowledge of God.  My parents taught us well.  They lived it, everyday, on their knee's praying. 

Mom use to say, "When I die, I want my passing to be no great change.  To live for the Lord daily should be no big change when we finally stand before Him."  Way to go Mom.  You were simple and pure in your faith and trust in God.  You and Dad took God at His Word.  Whatever God said in His Word, you were confident He would finish it by fulfilling it exactly.

What an amazing legacy of faith.  You cannot put a dollar amount on anything like that, can you? 

On that final day, when God whispers your name to come home, it will not matter how rich or how poor you were on earth.  What will matter is if your name is written in the Book of Life or not?  It will matter what you are doing today as well.  How are you treating each other? 

Do you truly love your neighbor as yourself?  If you do, then how are you treating yourself?  Now, look at your neighbor again.

Thanks Dad and Mom for all you gave us in this life ... a legacy of faith!