My Last Will and Testimony

Most everything in my home has a story. Some things have been collected from our lifetime and others have been passed down to us. Still others were here when we came along, relics from who knows when and it’s fun to think about how long they were here and why they were left. From stashed hardware to a tetherball set that is still in the box, there are hundreds of random things left behind. I’ve found treasures in the pasture even; an indian head penny, varied types of horseshoes and a lump of something that was melted in a fire...left behind and forgotten. Things that were special and meant something to someone at one time, buried under years of dust, mud and poop. 

For a long time it didn’t make sense to me for things to have to wait to be enjoyed or to collect a bunch of stuff that my family will have to deal with once I’m gone. Hope chests, quilts, “inheritance”.

The whole family knew how her things were to be divvied up for as long as I can remember. But why did we have to wait? 

Every time I went to her house and I saw that chest, I wondered what I would do with it. What was inside of it. When would it be mine...Why couldn’t I enjoy it while Mamaw was there to see my joy and ask her about it?

Most of my early life was spent knowing that the cedar chest my grandfather made would be mine once my great-grandmother passed on. However, one day my great-uncle told me to go and gather selected items from Mamaw’s home that were to be left to me...while she was still living. 

I guess it wouldn’t make sense for my kids to come and work my land and redecorate my home while I’m still doing it myself; but they know who gets what. They also understand that they are to take care of each other and honestly, if they decided they wanted anything in it today they know they could take it. Within reason…and I know they wouldn’t fight about things. 

When my husband’s grandfather passed away the family gathered and divided everything equally. They honored one another’s desire to have certain items of memorabilia and even relented their own choices for their siblings if they knew another wanted the same thing. It was a beautiful show of the love and generosity that family shares. There was no fighting or arguing. No covetousness or bitterness. Everyone left with mementos of their parents and memories of the life that had been shared here on earth.

Yes, another part of my life still sits in a timeless state as the only thing I truly desire from what my loved one left behind are the memories I have of our time together and the things I was taught by them: kindness, generosity, love.

Not so with other families. I’ve heard tell of bickering and and even bold acts of removing objects while another family member was using them daily. How selfish and tacky. How sad to have that memory attached to the family’s loss. How heartbreaking to lose relationships because of material things.

There isn’t a stash of cash, jewelry, hidden treasures or mementos that I wouldn’t tell my family about or who I’d like to have what when I’m finished with it. In fact, I’d love to share my most prized and most valuable possession with everyone today, even you! My inheritance!

I want everyone to know what my inheritance is and I want everyone to know what theirs is too. It’s a vast kingdom with streets of gold. Mansions made of fine gems and an eternity of joy. That’s what I have. That’s what I’m giving. I’m not leaving it behind, but going there...and the only thing on this earth I can take with me is you. Nothing else matters anyway. No money is needed there. Any jewels on this earth will be like dime store bobbles compared to what’s given to us there. No material thing could ever bring as much joy as just being there so why would I hold tight to any of it? 

I have so much more to look forward to than anything left to me here on earth. No cedar chest, savings bond, piece of jewelry, vehicle...nothing can compare to what I have waiting for me there. And the really cool thing is that I’ve already inherited it, I don’t have to wait for anyone to die, they already have...

John 14:1-3

John 3:16