Next week is an important week for my family. We will celebrate a unique achievement. My father, Gary Simpson, will turn 70. I believe it is fitting for him to be honored. Over the past few weeks, my family has been talking about how we should honor my dad. My brother (Scott Simpson) and I decided that it would be good for us to try and write an article together.
When we think of our father, the word legacy quickly comes to mind. A Legacy is defined as something that is “handed down from the past.” There are many things that my father has “handed down” to us, his children and his grandchildren.
Today, we want to share with you the Legacy of our Father.
- His Legacy of Godliness. Neither of us can remember a time when dad did not go to church. He has always gone to church and he has always taken his family to church. We have seen him read his Bible privately and with our family. He has passed on his godliness. Both of us are serving the Lord in full-time Christian ministry. His grandchildren are giving their lives to Christ and Lord-willing will carry on this legacy.
- His Legacy of Faithfulness. Whether it’s his family, his wife, his church or his ministry calling, he is always faithful. He prioritizes every one of his relationships and responsibilities and gives 100% without fail. Many reading this today have been influenced by the result or example of his tireless faithfulness. He has instilled this faithfulness in us, and we are praying that we remain steadfast and faithful all our lives.
- His Legacy of Hard Work. Our dad has always worked hard. He continues to work hard. We have never seen him shy away from work. It is comical to imagine someone calling him lazy. His example has taught us that money comes from work. This legacy he has carefully passed on and instilled into his family. Both of us work hard to provide for our families.
- His Legacy of Wisdom. Dad never graduated from college. He is not a member of Mensa. 🙂 And yet, he is the wisest person we know. He has always given us wise counsel – even when we have not followed it.
- His Legacy of Love. Our dad loves our mom – sometimes it’s even embarrassing! He treats her with love, respect, and tenderness. He loves her the way that Christ loves the church. He also love us, our wives, and our children. His love for people has been made obvious by the way he serves through teaching, serving, ministering, and pouring into their lives. He has instilled that love in us as well as our families and has given us an example of how to love our wives, children, and others.
Our father is leaving a wonderful legacy. The best part is that he is not done yet. His legacy continues to grow with each passing day. He continues to teach us new lessons as we watch him live his life.
What about your legacy?
What legacy are you leaving for your children and grandchildren? There is a sense in which we all leave a legacy. Sadly, many men leave a poor legacy. Too many men leave a legacy of ungodly living, unfaithfulness, and laziness. Please realize that as long as you are breathing you can do something about your own legacy. You can start today and leave a strong legacy for your family.
Happy Birthday Dad! We love you and are so thankful for you!
Scott & Stephen
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