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Every birthday is important. But in some ways, an
eighteenth birthday can be a Continental Divide event. Politically, a person
can vote. Culturally, you are considered an adult. Financially, many find
themselves in the work place or preparing educationally for an occupation.
That makes an eighteenth birthday a vital milestone
spiritually as well. My sister, Dorothy Freerksen, has found a way to make that
true in the lives of her grandchildren. One of the gifts she has given to each
grandson and granddaughter on that
occasion has been a spiritual heritage gift.
Dorothy has prepared a history of the family as an
encouragement for the new adult. The stories from both sides of the family tree
record God’s work in the past and inspire future faithfulness to Him. For the
guys, she focuses on the Allen and Freerksen grandfathers as well as their father
Jim, who taught at Liberty Seminary for many years.
For the girls, the emphasis focuses on godly great-grandmothers
as well as her own testimony. “I’ve always loved learning about our family
history ever since I was a kid,” writes one of the grands. “It was cool to have
that information written down as an inspiration and encouragement.“
Four of Dorothy and Jim’s grands have received their
gifts; they have two more to go. What a great way to share what God has done
and encourage grandchildren to continue that spiritual heritage.
