My dad, who continues to amaze me with the creative ways he uses talents, thought of this idea... "Let's do a Papaws Pond Time Capsule!"
The sealing of the Time Capsule was a day made of many wonderful memories. We began the day, with 15 kids under the age of 5, parading around in their Halloween costumes. We passed out candy and went on a Hay Ride. Later, we all gathered around to share some of the things that we included in our Time Capsule...
My extended Neier family now represents over 20 individual families. Each family put something in a PVC Pipe that they, or their children or grandchildren would open in 2050. Each family's time capsule was different.. some chose to reflect on past memories made and special moments they had at Papaw's Pond, some wrote letters to their children and grandchidren. Lists were made about cost of living and gas prices, details about where our culture is in terms of morals and ethic. Brett and I made a CD of our favorite songs, along with a detailed description about where we are in our lives, my cousin put his college basketball jersey in, my dad wrote about a typical day in his life, along with where he wants his children and grandchildren to be. The lists goes on and on....
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One particular time capsule that was shared really stood out in my mind: My Aunt Rhonda's. She reflected on WHAT Pawpa's Pond is, and how important is has become to our family. More importantly, she reflected on the person behind this amazing Pond, My PAPAW!
My Papaw Neier has been gone now for over a decade. Its easy to forget about WHO he was because at the time died, I was in middle school. After hearing her talk about how much he loved his children, and how much more he loved the Lord, how hard of worker he was, and how respected he was (and still is) around his community.... I started thinking how much I owe this Papaw of mine...
He wasn't someone I personally knew very well.. the few memories I have of him aren't even pleasant ones! When I stayed at his house, he fixed me oatmeal... the NON-FLAVORED kind... He gave me "boy" presents at Christmas time, he ALWAYS smelled like the backyard, and when I asked him a question, he never gave me a direct answer.. "Papaw, How old are you?" "Do you know how old Dirt Is!?" he would respond...
However, little do I know how much my faith in Jesus is in exsistance because of his wisdom, leadership, and his own heart for the Lord! Because of him and his faith, my dad became the man of God that he is, and chose to marry someone, like my mom, who loves the Lord as well, and through my Papaw's example of a father who loves Christ, my dad became that, and much more to me and my sisters.
Its amazing to think about the fact that my Papaw didn't impact me directly, but his memory and character still lives on, and because of that, I am who I am, and where I am today!!
Not only was this "assignment" my dad gave to us going to be something we appreciate in 41 years..but even more importantly, it made me think about my current life.
What are Brett and I doing in our day to day lives that is going to make an impact on who our children turn out to be in 41 years? Will it matter what color of bedding I pick out for our lil boy? What his baby clothes look like? What we choose to do for fun on the weekends? What kind of car we drive? Are those the things that we will remember in 41 years? Or that someone will remember about us?
I think of the day when our lil boy (and Lord willing, his siblings, spouse, and children) open this time capsule...and he reflects on his parents and grandparents. What will he think of us? When he thinks of us, will he think of us as Godly parents who have love and respect for each other and their kids?
I think we all wish and hope that our children will see us in a positive light. as Christ Followers and Servents!... but what we sometimes miss, is that we ACTUALLY have to BE that person, for our children to see us that way!
