Work has been busy with travel and deadlines. Sitting across from a colleague over dinner, we were catching up on family, art, and the latest books we’d read. We have a lot in common; she asks the questions your heart wants to answer when you feel safe with someone. We exchanged updates on family and honestly expressed that as moms, we often go to the place at the end of the day, “Was that enough?” was “I enough for all the roles I’m responsible for?” We live distinctly different lives, but we have so much in common within the expressions of our lives. It struck me that we felt the same way in our uniquely different life stories.

Like an overwhelming flash of understanding, I saw her mom and daughter in her. My mom, in her essence, was sitting with me, miles away, at the dinner table. Epigenetics provides a scientific understanding of how we become through the generations and the genetic makeup of all the women before us. They live within us literally, not only through the way God created genes but also through how we experience life and our environment. Inside of me and my children are the future children to come: the legacy, the values, the gifts, the purpose. To be sure, we all have our own life stories to figure out and become. Individualism is important. God has a plan for us.

If you lay in bed at night wondering if I did enough for that loved one – did I love enough? Was I present enough? Be assured that as you walk through this life, your interactions, comings, and goings express your love for them. My friend’s incredible gift of the arts and her expression of this art live on because of her mom. Her mom was not at the table with us, but I could see this woman there, in her, expressing herself. I realized that my mom was with me in the way she loves people, connection, and good conversation that touches the heart. What greater joy than to know your children are living in the expressions of your family? I see my daughters interacting, living, and expressing themselves, and I see my mom, me, and the women before them. And, within that living, I’m my unique person in a future generation. I see you, my daughters, in my mind’s eye even when you are not beside me. I’m content with this knowledge and am so proud of how you express yourself in this generation. I love you. You will never walk alone.

Digging Deeper

1. The author talks about a deep connection with a colleague over dinner. Have you ever had a similar experience where you connected with someone on a profound level unexpectedly? What sparked that connection?

2. The concept of questioning whether one has been “enough” in various roles, especially as a mother, is explored. How do you relate to these feelings in your own life, whether in parenting, your career, or other relationships?

3. Epigenetics is mentioned as a scientific explanation for how traits and characteristics are passed through generations. How do you think your ancestors have shaped who you are today, not just biologically but also through behaviors, values, and traditions?

4. The text touches on the importance of individualism while also acknowledging God’s plan. How has God helped you in your life goals and expressions? What makes you unique?

5. The narrative highlights the importance of legacy and the living expressions of one’s family in their children. What values or qualities do you hope to pass on to future generations, and why?

6. Share a moment when you saw a trait or characteristic of a loved one (who was not present) manifested in another family member. How did that make you feel?

7. The author finds contentment in knowing that her children carry forward the expressions of their family. In what ways do you seek contentment in your relationships with family, friends, or even colleagues?

8. The concept of seeing our loved ones, particularly our children, as reflections and extensions of our family’s legacy is powerful. How does this perspective influence the way you interact with or think about your loved ones?

9. Reflecting on the narrative, how does the idea of living legacies impact your understanding of your role in your family or community?

10. In light of the author’s reflections, how can we more consciously appreciate and nurture the qualities we inherit and pass on, ensuring a positive and meaningful legacy?