Inheritance

The thought of an inheritance has been passing through my mind on and off over the past few months.  As you may recall, Gary's biological father passed away at the end of February and Gary was named the executor of the estate.  He has been working many hours and a couple of weeks ago, he was able to make the pay-out to the beneficiaries.  We were among those who received a check from Jerry.  It was large enough that we had to think about what to do with the money, but small enough that Gary most certainly went to work the next day.  We've spent some, saved some, and given some.  It has been fun.
I must say that I have struggled and grown from this whole experience.  I've been so grateful that we were included and yet I've fought against envy in that we were given very little compared to others.  I think God has really used this experience to challenge where my thinking and priorities are.  It has been good.  Really good.  I've landed in a place of complete gratitude for what Jerry gave to us as a family.  I've blessed God that rather than be given more money, Gary was instead able to have a relationship with Jerry over the past few years.  Given the choice: I'd choose a relationship. 
Though Gary and I are a long way from dying (we hope!), we have already begun to think about the inheritance we want to pass down to our kids. . . to our extended family. . . to our friends. . . to our church.  What are our values?  Do we demonstrate high quality relationships?  Do others see our commitment to God?  Will our kids bless God that they had an outstanding relationship with us and their inheritance is seen in their values, work ethic, spiritual walk, and general attitude about life?  Sure I'd love to be able to gift some money to them, but frankly. . .it won't be huge.  I pray that they see our inheritance to them as being much more than money.
When I look at Jerry's life, he didn't value relationships.  Seven people attended his funeral.  Almost everyone there was an employee (gardener, nurse, realtor).  Only Gary and a neighbor were there as friends and family.  Jerry chose vacations, making money, and time with his wife above all else.  He didn't leave Gary an example of what being a great dad was.  He didn't leave our family a wonderful example of what a Grandpa looks like.  Our inheritance from him was money, but little else.
I've been thinking about inheritance too because Gary's dad died just a few weeks ago.  His inheritance will be much different.  When we see mom next month, we'll celebrate his life and how he served His Lord.  We'll talk for years to come with our kids about Grandpa Larry and how he repaired the jukebox for them.  We share his and mom's faith journey and celebrate their testimony about God's amazing faithfulness in their lives.  
I'll soon think less and less about Jerry as the work of the estate gradually winds down.  I'll often think about Dad Petty as my kids grow up and Garrison himself carries Grandpa Larry's name. Gary has the same sense of humor.  We'll ride fast in a boat and hoop and holler.  We'll bless each other as we say good-bye.  What a great inheritance!