Our Inheritance from God

"You are my inheritance, O Lord." Ps 16

Many older people often find themselves wondering what kinds of gifts they can leave their children. Making wills that try to distribute their resources equally among their children, they sometimes deny themselves simple pleasures because they want their children to have more than they had. Even when their children are doing well, many still want to give them more. Whether this desire to help their children is rooted in altruistic love or their need to feel needed is never clear, but it gives us pause to think about the inheritance we receive from God.

The book of Genesis tells us that God made everything that is for us because God wants us to be happy and secure in God's love. Like a good parent, God wants us to have what we need to live, but creation is not God's only or best gift. God gives us the promise of never being alone, that no matter where we go or how much we struggle, we will always be in God's presence, and this promise can and will sustain us through every difficulty if only we embrace it.

Parents and others with an inheritance to share with their children and family would do well to follow God's example. When we are able to assure those around us that they are never alone, that no matter what they do what foolish path they follow, they can always return to us and God, they will have an inheritance beyond price, and the need to keep giving the next generation more than they can ever use will dissipate. Our children need our unconditional love, not our old books and china!

Today, treasure the inheritance of God's enduring love and presence.

What gift of faith given to you by God and your mentors do you most value?