Principle #3 — Giving presents is great, but giving presence is the best gift you can ever give.
Sure, Dad and Mom, known as Grandaddy and Mimi to my kids, gave them gifts, but the best gifts were their presence. When talking over stories for my book, each one of my kids mentioned the constant presence of my dad in their lives. When they would walk into their home, their eyes would go straight to Dad’s chair. His presence always offered us all such a warm sense of safety and security. All he had to do was smile and start calling out their nicknames, and all seemed right with the world. Being present, all there and focused, is the best gift a parent, grandparent and great-grandparent can give. Not entertainment, but engagement.
Principle #4 — Making your marriage your first priority in love and life is the best example for your kids.
In conversations for my book, all my kids commented on how they saw their grandparents stay in love by expressing affection. My parents always held hands when they walked. And when one would leave, they would kiss goodbye. One of my daughters said, “You know what? You can stay in love with each other. They were so obviously each other’s best friend.”
Principle #5 — Expressing love to others from the heart of Christ is your best witness to the world.
Whether in their hometown of Kenova, West Virginia, or after their retirement near us in Franklin, Tennessee, my kids always saw my parents be great neighbors. Mimi and Grandaddy knew everyone on their street. And everybody loved them. My kids easily recall the times that they stopped by their house to find neighbors or new friends having tea with them. All my life and throughout my kids’ lives, my parents’ faith drove their commitment to love and serve people. One of my kids said, “We feel like their No. 1 goal was to just be as ‘Jesus’ as they could possibly be on this earth. And to all of us, they achieved that.”
Principle #6 — Praying is the most pro-active expression of love and care you can take for anyone.
We live in a day where people view a social media post that says, “Our prayers are with …” or “Our prayers go out to …” as somehow minimizing or skirting responsibility. But as a parent, grandparent or great-grandparent in a family of faith, prayer is an investment in the lives and legacy of the next generation. I credit my parents’ prayers for my transformation out of a prodigal season to my surrendered life and calling I have lived out for the past forty-plus years. My children have seen the fruit of their grandparents’ and parents’ prayers in their own lives. Sincerely and authentically interceding for our children and grandchildren, being specific in asking God to touch, bless and give favor will cover them with the greatest love the world has ever known.
Everything I have shared today doesn’t have to cost you a dime, but it will require your time. No matter who your parents were, or how good or bad your childhood may have been, you can apply these principles to make sure you leave a lasting legacy in your own family. Whether you are carrying on an incredible family line or are trying to turn the tables on a difficult past, part of the good news of the Gospel is God’s help and hope are available to you right now.
(Michael W. Smith is a multiple Grammy Award-winning recording artist with sales of over 15 million albums and author of ” The Way of the Father: Lessons from My Dad, Truths about God.” The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect those of Religion News Service.)
This article originally appeared here.
