The Legacy Ship

There once was a man who was one of the best specialists in the treatment of deadly tuberculosis, but who according to a local newspaper tribute was known primarily as “cheerful, and was concerned about his fellowman, thousands of whom lived longer or are living today because they were fortunate enough to have had the benefit of his care and advice.” This man partnered with one of the most famous surgeons of his day to help discover new medicines that eventually arrested tuberculosis promptly, and no longer made necessary the special hospital where he was its senior physician. It was said this man was such an expert at radiography that he received x-rays from “all over the country for interpretation and diagnosis.” Raised on the family farm in Newfoundland and a wounded Canadian war hero in World War I, he was remembered by a pastor friend as “a great man who had served humanity well.”

That man was my grandfather, the late Dr. Garnet P. Smith (pictured), who though in every way professional was hardly stuffy— as a little kid, I once saw him dancing like a little boy in his study to “The Merry Widow” operetta playing on his phonograph. At such a young age, a kid doesn’t remember much of significance of their grandparents until they’re gone. But when Puppa Smith passed, I was amazed at the tributes paid to him, most notably a beautiful oil painting of a ship that was painted by a grateful patient and presented to my grandfather in gratitude for helping to save his life. My dad passed it along to me, and though I’ve downsized and tossed many things over the years, that painting remains a fixture on my living room wall as a reminder of a good and honorable legacy passed down and of what a life well-lived looks like.

It’s a reminder to carry on what my grandfather handed down to my dad, and he to me, and I pray that I have handed off to my own kids, that “the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” (Psalm 27:23)

It’s a reminder that...

...Walking in the footsteps of the Lord matters more than just about anything, because it is in these steps that a man, woman or youth practically walks out the purpose for living each day—carrying God’s light and love and hope into darkness and discouragement.

Examples are set and handed down. “One generation commends Your works to another…” says the psalmist, and when that baton lands in your hands, it’s meant to be not just admired but worn well like those who’ve gone before you and then passed on daily like a cloak of honor.

But who is that “good” man or woman? By the world’s definition, there are millions of them out there (for which we are grateful), but the ones whose steps are ordered by the Lord are supposed to also have a “You’re different” section on their resume.

For one, a "good" man or woman in God's eyes is one who lives intentionally (albeit imperfectly) to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. (Micah 6:8)

For another, it is the overflow of a life whose first love and persevering trust is in the only One who is good (Mark 10:18)...ergo, ultimately seeking to be a reflector of the God in whose steps you’re following.

And for another, there is this drop-the-mic one-liner about the vital importance of what we think about, dwell on, and pursue: "out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. The good man brings good things of the good stored up in him." (Matthew 12:34-35). Wow, imagine a world like that.

That ship painting is also a reminder that following in the footsteps of the Lord and the example of those who’ve gone before sometimes happens through calm waters and sunny days but often through stormy seas—and in either case, to keep pressing on, full-sailed, because as Jesus demonstrated more than once to His first followers, He is right there with them whenever the waters get rough and the wind howls.

And one more thing…that painting is a reminder that the Lord never intends for anyone to follow in His footsteps alone. We may each have our own journey to take, but He puts other “ships” around us to support us, befriend us, and fight through the rough seas with us as we seek to live well and pass it on to those around us.

I see that painting today on Father’s Day and am reminded once more that the baton that began with my grandfather and was handed off to my dad and now to me is meant to be good and fruitful for as long as I have breath. To pray that that legacy continues to my own children (and clearly there is evidence that it is so, right down to both following professions that help other people live) and all the generation of Smiths to come. And each day, to hold on for dear life to: "Guide my steps—steady my feet—as You promised.” (Psalm 119: 133, Expanded), and to live out loud the old song…

“Write on my tongue, let my words edify

Let the words of my mouth be acceptable in Thy sight

Take charge of my thoughts both day and night

Order my steps in Your Word

Please, order my steps in Your Word”