On October 1, 2019, my dear Grandpa Stoltzfus passed away, at 90 years of age. I miss him so much. He left behind both a rich heritage and an unfinished task for the following generations.

At the funeral, one of the ministers preached from Psalm 90. This Psalm describes one thousand years in God’s sight “as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night” (a span of only 3-4 hours). In verse 12, Moses admonishes, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.”

In this brief vapor of life (James 4:14), what did Grandpa leave behind? How was his legacy forged? Most importantly for his remaining descendants, how is his legacy carried on? Today, we’ll discuss the answers to these all-important questions.

1. What Did He Leave Behind?

Like everyone does, Grandpa left a legacy. A legacy is defined as a “bequest, inheritance, heritage, endowment, gift, and birthright.” A legacy can be for good or evil.

To his descendants, Grandpa left a legacy of commitment to God and the Bible, faithfulness to His wife and family, and a life of integrity.

His influence lives on today through his 47 grand-children and 39 great-grandchildren. All but three of his grandchildren made it to the funeral. Together, we sang “Precious Memories” and “No Tears in Heaven.” Many of his children and grand-children love and serve the Lord.

2. How Was This Legacy Forged? 

Grandpa’s legacy was built one day at a time, through his routine actions, habits, and faithfulness–all the things that most people don’t see. His legacy didn’t appear overnight. Rather, his life teaches that what we consistently do every day becomes who we are in the long run.

He was never famous, but he excelled at daily faithfulness. Each day over the course of his life, he loved his family, studied the scriptures, and strived to live out his faith as best he knew.

His legacy was also forged through difficult decisions. He chose to leave the Amish and move to New York. In the farm crisis of the 80’s he could have filed bankruptcy. Instead, he persevered to pay off every debt.

3. How Is This Legacy Carried On? 

Grandpa wasn’t a perfect man, and he’d be the first to admit that. And so, he’d want me to learn from both his strengths and weaknesses.

He’s now passed the baton on to his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. What will we do with what we’ve been given? Will we improve on his legacy or throw it away?

I’m immensely grateful to the Lord for giving me a godly grandpa. In my own life, I wish to apply Grandpa’s joy and optimistic spirit, his love for God’s Word, his gratitude, and his love for his family.

Each generation bears a responsibility to improve upon the previous. First, we should begin with gratitude for the good things we’ve been given. We must then learn from the mistakes of previous generations. Next, we should commit to live out the Biblical commands and principles followed. Last, we should seek to steward and multiply our heritage.

A Funeral

What will people say about you and I at our funerals? What will we leave behind? Every day, we’re answering those questions by the lives we live. 

One of the verses shared at Grandpa’s funeral was 2 Corinthians 4:18, “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

Grandpa Stoltzfus, thank-you for leaving me a godly legacy. Your life has impacted mine in countless ways. I can’t wait to see you in eternity.

Question: What really matters at the end of life?

Additional Note: At her blog, chelsyrenee.com, dear sister Chelsy wrote a fantastic post, entitled, “A Tribute to My Grandpa Stoltzfus.” Just click this link to read it.