Friday, December 15, 2006

FOR CHRISTMAS MY KIDS ARE GETTING A FEW GIFTS AND MOST OF THEIR INHERITANCE

They didn't ask me for it. Unlike the prodigal son of Luke ch.15, my children haven't come to me asking that I go ahead and give them the portion of goods that will be theirs at my passing. It was my own decision. This year I am giving them most of their inheritance.

Before your imagination runs away with you as you wonder how much it will be and if I am so financially well off that I can give most of it away and live on what's left... I must tell you that it isn't money. It isn't property either seeing that I don't own even a square inch of land anywhere on this earth. As far as earthly possessions go, I have very little to give them that would have any monetary value.

What, one might ask, is the inheritance that you are giving to your kids ? I warn you, this isn't going to be very exciting: The inheritance I'm giving my three children is worn out Bibles.

I had 3 shadow boxes made large enough to hold a Bible. To Steve, the first born, I am giving my first "preaching Bible". To Jeremy, the second born, my second "preaching Bible. To Elizabeth, the baby and only girl, I'm giving the third "preaching Bible".

These Bibles have no monetary value to anyone. To me, however, they represent something far more valuable than money that I want to pass down to my children. When and/or if they remember me when I have gone from this earth, I want them to remember that, with all my failures, my life was dedicated to the preaching of God's Word.

I think all parents would agree that parenting is difficult under the best of circumstances. It comes with a built-in guilt trip. As I look back over the last 28 years of my life as a minister, my failures nag at me and remind me that I haven't always been the best dad. I could have been kinder and more understanding with them as they grew up. I wish I hadn't been so determined to get everything "right" that I took away some of their freedom to just be kids. There were thousands of down right stupid things that I'm trying hard to forget, am hoping that they won't hold them against me.

At times during their childhood, my children were forced to live in less than ideal conditions (while on the mission field and while preparing to go to the field). I hope that when they see these worn out Bibles, that they will be reminded that we were in those conditions because their mother and I were trying to serve God and His gospel as best we could.

My prayer is that my flickering, faltering passion for God and His Word has and will infect my children with a greater passion than I have ever shown, and that they will in turn infect their children with that same passion. Then, one day in a better land, if Jan and I can gather our children and grandchildren together at the feet of Jesus, and join them in singing "Thou art worthy"; I will know that this was the best inheritance I could have left them.

13 comments:

Even So... said...

You are truly a wealthy man...

Nephos said...

"I will know that this was the best inheritance I could have left them."

As the son of a pastor, I can wholeheartedly agree with your words! As the father of two sons, I can only hope that I have the same inheritance to leave them.

What tremendous gifts to give your children.

Anonymous said...

Knowing the way that Steve and Jeremy value the Word, this is a great legacy you are leaving them.

Merry Christmas.

Pastor Mike Paris said...

Glad that your eyes are not growing dim or that you are not going to be buried with your fathers this Christmas. Since that is the time that normally triggers inheritance distribution, I wondered... :)

This is a great gift idea. Maybe you could have each of them share a "nugget" from Daddy's preaching Bible that they found especially dear or important. It could be a new Weaver Christmas tradition. Maybe not as "pomp and circumstance" as the Spurgeon Archives (at Pyromaniacs), but certainly very meaningful.

I have been at ministry full time for 8 years. I have yet to wear out my preaching Bible! May I get to give this kind of gift, like you, well before I retire permanently.

Enjoy your laughing, loving and legacy leaving!

PS -- I guess this is not going to be a surprise since you posted it in cyberspace ;)

Jeremy Weaver said...

I'll still act surprised...

Kim said...

Oh man, Garry, you've got me all teary eyed this morning.

How dare you....

If I was one of your children) (and I realize that you are way too young to be my parent, I would cherish such a wonderful gift.

Anonymous said...

What better inheritance can you leave you children?

Steve Weaver said...

Dad,

Thanks for the gift and the inheritance! I couldn't ask for anything better. I'm looking forward to seeing them and displaying them in my office.

Jeremy Weaver said...

You only get one Steve. Stay away from mine.

Steve Weaver said...

Oops! I meant "it", not "them". Really, I did.

Anonymous said...

You won a Watchman Award over at The Watchman!

http://passionatepatriotism.blogspot.com/2006/12/watchman-awards-3-pursuit-of-greatness.html

Garry Weaver said...

Thanks everyone for your gracious comments.

Anonymous said...

That is really a special gift.I pray that my husband and I will have an inheritance similar to leave our children(Lord willing) in future.