From String to Legacy

Read Time / 2 Minutes

Theme / Legacy Planning

I never realized the importance of string in our lives.  Perhaps it was my upbringing, perhaps it was my personality, or perhaps it was my lack of appreciation for long strands of twisted cotton.  Whatever the reason, I learned the importance of string one summer in my youth.  My grandfather was visiting, and I decided to help him plant a garden at our new house.  I was expecting a few minutes of work: throw out some seed, sprinkle some water, and wait for the garden to grow! 

My grandfather, however, had a different strategy, and it began with string!  We pounded a few wooden stakes in at one end of the garden and more at the other end, then we strung string between pairs of stakes to form straight lines for planting.  Planting vegetables in rows had its advantages: the space between the rows provided a place to walk to water, weed, and harvest.  At summer’s end we enjoyed carrots, peas, and tomatoes – and it all started with a ball of twisted cotton.

Looking back, I learned a good lesson from my grandfather that day.  He was passing on to me a portion of his legacy - his knowledge about planting gardens.   It reminds me of a Bible verse: “And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:2).  We normally hear of this verse in the context of pastoral training, but it has broader implications.  When we consider the verse in the context of leaving an inheritance, we must ask ourselves two questions.  Are we preparing those who will receive our inheritance?  Will they pass on our values to future generations?

My grandfather – besides being a good gardener – was a godly, wise-with-money man, who positively influenced his children and grandchildren.  He has set the standard for me in passing on my legacy.  Let each of us consider what we are leaving behind and to whom we are leaving it.  Are they prepared?

Doug Hanson, MBA

Wealth Advisor

208.697.3699

doug@christianwm.com