A Future Legacy

Autumn is the most nostalgic season for me. Living overseas for so many years, I have always missed Ohio at this time of year. The leaves turning glorious and vivid, abundant chrysanthemums in warm colors, the brisk evenings, troubled sky of sun and clouds, the fresh cider and Macintosh apples as crisp as the morning. Harvest-themed decorations stir my memories. Even family football games on the lawn cheer me as a sign of the season (even if I don't know or care whether the Browns win or lose!).
I feel blessed to be in my hometown Berea, OH this season, the quintessential American small town with a big park and college campus. I stroll through the neighborhood where I spent my childhood, an idyllic place. How lucky I was to grow up there! I have no recollection of crises at the time; I was oblivious to geopolitical strife. Life was good and I felt secure and loved.
During our travels to churches, we stopped in my parents' hometown, Beaver, PA. Probably the most charming and genuine small town anywhere. True "Americana" at its best. Ranked "lowest crime rate in the Nation." It is a sort of sentimental journey for this pilgrim. Brian indulged my impulse to search out the graves of all my kinfolk, so we plodded through the local cemetery in the pouring rain to pay our respects. My  poor great-grandparents, emigrated from Belgium, as well as the other set, of French Huguenot background (Reno "Renault"), are laid to rest there. All my illustrious grandparents too. I am so grateful for a legacy of brave, stalwart people who overcame hardship and sacrificed to raise a fresh generation with hope and vigor. We stopped to admire the homes where they raised their families, my family.
Now, our daughter is expecting our first grandchild. It fills my heart with joy and wonder. As sure as God is on His throne, I have every reason to be hopeful for this child, for this generation to follow us. Yes, there will be trials, hardship and challenges. Every generation faces their own set of them. But I do not fear for this little one, for the Lord our God promised a future and a hope for those who trust in Him, and we must hope. The love of a family makes us secure and strong.