Our Inheritance

Ephesians 1:11-23

I had only met my paternal grandfather once or twice before he passed away. I honestly didn't know that much about him except that he worked hard at ensuring his family was able to succeed in America. He was a Mexican national who moved to California in the 1950's to work in the fruit fields. From my father's example I can say he instilled in his children the importance of hard work as well as getting a good education.

He and my paternal grandmother divorced before I was born, I don't know the reasons why. Because he never became naturalized, my grandfather moved back to Mexico after the split up and eventually started another family. He also realized a long-standing dream he had and opened up a small chain of Mexican restaurants along the coastal boarder between Mexico and California. When my grandfather passed away he wasn't exactly one of the richest men in the world, but he was successful and was able to leave a small part of his fortune to his family.

I honestly don't remember anything about my grandpa Hilario, except from what I've seen on old 8mm reels of film. He seemed to be a fun man, filled with life and a love for his family. When he passed away I remember my dad saying that there was a will, and that some money would be coming into the family. I still remember that day my brother and I both got a check for $250 from his estate. I honestly hadn't expected anything, thinking we weren't really family, but there it was - a small piece of grandpa Hilario to do with as I wished.

That particular story took place so many years ago, I think I was either still in high school or just graduated, but what I do remember is that the money meant nothing to me. That my grandpa had remembered us in his will, and still included us as a part of his life, meant so much more to me than anything else.

Paul's message here brings the same feelings to me. It isn't about the material things Jesus, Paul, the early Apostles, or any one of their many disciples left behind for us to enjoy. It's the knowledge that because of the love Jesus shared, and the teachings of that love passed down through the millennia by those early followers, that I know without a doubt I am unconditionally accepted by a God who's love never ends.

As we strive to find that which we can pass on to our children, and their children, let's try to remember that it's not about the house, or the car, or the business, or the vault full of cash. Future generations will remember us for one thing: how they were loved by us and how we taught them to love everyone else.