Inheritance

For the last several months, our Sunday school class has been studying Nehemiah, seemingly line by line. The lessons have been so practical, very family/marriage oriented. A couple of weeks ago, one lesson in particular really hit home with me. The lesson was about the things that we inherit from our ancestors, and subsequently, the traits we pass on to our children. Normally, our class breaks out into 3-4 smaller groups for questions and discussion, but this particular week, we broke into couples to discuss the traits that we do or don't want to pass onto our kids. I'll admit, there are some concepts that have always been very difficult to wrap my understanding of God and theology around. As I've read through the Old Testament, there are many instances where the generations are punished for the sins of their ancestors.

Now, I am in no way a theological prodigy, but somehow, this concept never sat well with my understanding of the loving nature of God the Father. As we completed the exercise in class, we came to the profound understanding that Jesus is the intercessor. Because of the sacrifice He has made for us, we now have a choice on some of the characteristics we get to pass on to our children...a filter, so to speak. (Naturally, my background being science/medically minded, I acknowledge that genetics play a big part and those we can't control...more on that later) Since JP and I have been married, and as we get closer to the idea of starting our own family, I spend a lot of time thinking about parenting. I've come to the conclusion that no matter how good of a job your parents do raising you, there is always something that you would do differently. It was so comforting to discuss and meditate on what kind of parent we each want to be, and what characteristics we would like our children to possess. Although we don't plan on having children for at least a couple of years, it was so comforting to pray over our family, and pray for our future as parents. As a self-proclaimed perfectionist, it is also extremely comforting to know that although we are flawed as humans, God gives us the strength and guidance to build our family in Him--therefore, we are not alone in our quest.

On another note, this week in particular, I have been somewhat disappointed to my "inheritance." Although we could always do better, JP and I leave a relatively healthy life. I tend to only choose and cook healthy recipes at home, and we very rarely indulge in fast food. One of my personal aspirations is to run a half-marathon, and for the last several months I have been running 4-5 times a week. So, how surprised was I when I receive a phone call informing me that at 24 I have high cholesterol?! How did THIS happen?! Despite my best efforts to live a healthy life, my body is rebelling against me. It is has been so frustrating trying to figure out ways I can improve my diet and exercise regimen so that I can postpone the inevitable statin in my future. Needless to say, there is a genetic component contributing to my so-called cholesterol issue that I have no control over. I hope that this is something I don't pass onto my children, but if I do, at least I can hopefully give them some pointers...I haven't figured it out yet, but I'm hoping by the time by children arrive I will have made some huge breakthrough on how to magically drop my cholesterol by a few points. Any advice would be much appreciated.