Leaving A Legacy

A year ago today, an incredible man left this earth. It was sudden, unexpected, and world-shattering. My grandpa, whom my family affectionately called Musty (due to his marvelous mustache), was taken to be with Jesus in the early morning when we were sure he was on the road to recovery.

Musty was an incredible grandfather. He was actively involved in the lives of my siblings and I, so much so that I saw him as part of our core family. He told stories like no other, pulling you into a tale with masterful pacing. He was also a man of humor. He often told jokes and he had a large, bellowing laugh of contagious joy. Nothing excited me more than dinner with him, when I could listen to his stories and jokes while feasting on his great steak. For all the years I knew him, I saw him as the perfect grandpa. He loved with such abundance, taught me how to live like Christ, and was a rock and support for the entire family. His presence was one characterized by warmth, laughter, and reassuring hugs.

The day of his service, I got an entirely new perspective on him and his character. I had lived so close to him and knew him so intimately, yet I never looked past his roles in our family. He was so much more than just a grandfather, father, and husband. As I listened to other people speak about the impact that he had on their lives, and I witnessed the multitude of people who came to his service, I realized that he had touched so many people in so many ways. To the older men in the church, Musty was a friend and confidant. He supported them in their times of trial and walked with them in the struggle. To the younger men, he was a mentor and a leader. So many of them wanted to follow his example (some even tried to grow mustaches, though they couldn’t do it as well). To those outside the church, he was a light. A witness to the love of Christ and the majesty of the Gospel. Numerous former colleagues came, speaking of how Musty had demonstrated leadership in the manner of a servant. He was not a harsh task master, but instead an inspirational teammate. They spoke of his humility, patience, and genuine kindness. He saw everyone as his equal, no matter rank or authority.

Musty lived in the footsteps of Christ. He interacted with almost everyone who came across his path. He shared the gospel with countless people. He mentored and discipled. He was present in the lives of others. He truly saw people. Saw them as valuable and significant. When he left this Earth he left behind a legacy of love, compassion, and Christ-centered living. Though he is now gone, those who look back at his life have a personal example of the love of Christ. The way he lived brought people to Christ, both during and after his life.

As I look at the legacy Musty left behind, and the way this legacy effects others, I’ve come to think, isn’t this what all believers should strive for? To live a life of love, service, and humility, preaching the Gospel not just by words but through action. That, when the day comes we are taken from this earth, the way we lived will continue to live on in the memories of those who knew us, and continue to influence them for Christ. Such a legacy does not only have a lasting value on earth, but an eternal value in heaven by bringing others to salvation. He accomplished this and left a rich legacy for everyone who knew him, and it’s a legacy that I desire to carry on.

The church and the world need more people like Musty. More Christ following, people loving, humble hearted, servant leaders who live to be a light for Christ and a stronghold for the weak. Who reach out to the broken hearted, strengthen the faith of the younger generation, and walk through life’s tribulations and trials with the people who need them. Who are willing to die to themselves to protect others. That is who Musty was, and that is who I hope to be.