(My beautiful, graceful mother passed away earlier this week. She was diagnosed with dementia over a decade ago and her struggle is over. She was a wonderful example of selflessness and strength. This post is a tribute to her and all that she means to our family.)

“Only be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes
have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and
to their children after them.” Deuteronomy 4:9

After a startling diagnosis years ago, my mother lived with a form of dementia.
For Christmas the year she was diagnosed, I gave her a special journal I found at a local
bookstore. It is structured so the writer can chronicle her own life to pass down in the family. It
gives the writer prompts and space to reflect and document facts, events, and feelings from the
past. I used it as an opportunity to sit with my mom and ask her about her life. I asked the questions
and wrote her responses. All she had to do was share.

Through that process, I learned a lot not only about my mom but about our extended family as
well. I also learned that there are times and feelings we would all like to forget. Not all
memories are happy ones. Some are painful. Yet, each of us is the sum of our experiences.
Looking back over some of mom’s responses I can clearly see how each person, event, and
setting from the past has contributed to the creation of the beautiful, strong woman I admire.

This 4-foot 10 inch, petite lady has never delivered a speech to the masses (not that I know of).
She has never held a position of leadership of a fortune 500 company and she has never
received national or global recognition for her contributions to society. Yet, her life speaks
volumes. The way she lived with grace and dignity, a life centered in Christ, is an example for many. It made her unintentionally influential beyond measure.

As my children are taking flight, spreading their wings, and starting to find their own way in this
world, I find myself wishing I had offered more guidance to them in many areas but especially
regarding their spiritual journey. However, when I watched my mom and considered her daily
example and teachings, I realized the things we teach our children as well as those around us
doesn’t always involve a lecture. It is the way we live, how we react to the events in our lives
that offer the real lessons and will have the greatest impact on others – our children and our
children’s children. As time passes and people, events, and places, fade from our memory, our heart never forgets.

We will have life lessons to teach and pass on to others.

Make plans to pass along the things you have learned to others. You already influence those
around you whether you realize it or not.

The scripture reminds us to be intentional with our influence, to “watch closely” so we “don’t
forget” to let the next generation know what we have seen and heard.

Make a commitment to live intentionally starting today.

“We will tell the next generation about the Lord’s power and His great deeds and the wonderful
things He has done.” Psalms 78:4

You can intentionally tell others, not just through your words but also through your actions.
Live intentionally now and you will continue to impress upon others later in life – It will not
fade, even when we do.

“These commandments I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your
children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you lie down and when you get up.
Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the
doorframes of your gates.” Deuteronomy 6:6-9 (NIV)

What have your eyes seen? What is your story? Talk about it. Write it down. Pass it on and be
sure to thank God for those in your life that have taught you the important things about life and
spirituality.

Today, I am especially thankful for my mom – her life, her story, and her heart.