The Legacy Shirt

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

Osceola Senior Games was printed across the top of the blue t-shirt. My eleven-year-old granddaughter, Molly, certainly wasn’t elderly or about ready to graduate but she wore one of my dad’s shirts for a nightgown.

            Although she wore his shirt, she never saw him run track, play basketball or softball. She learned of his sports activities from our family stories.

For years, my dad participated in Senior Games all over the United States. Medals he won covered a wall of his garage and he accumulated a supply of t-shirts from each tournament. When he passed away, several family members kept some of his shirts.

            Even though she didn’t know him like her sisters did, Molly carries on his legacy by wearing his shirt. In addition, she plays softball and basketball like he did. Watching her become more like her great-grandpa makes me happy.

            Although we don’t have a t-shirt that belonged to Jesus, we become more and more like Him when the Holy Spirit works within us. Instead of a physical garment, we can put on the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. 

            That legacy is even better than a shirt.

Loving Father, help us to put on the righteousness of God as we become more like Jesus. Amen.