Generational Wealth vs. Generational Parenting

How My Grandma Set The Example

I have recently noticed that many people on Twitter are publicly pursuing goals of creating generational wealth.

It is estimated that 90% of generational wealth is lost by the 3^rd generation.

It seems to me that creating generational wealth is an odd goal if it has a 90% failure rate.

Many of the richest people in the world recognize that leaving money to their kids isn’t the primary goal.

Kevin Kelly said, “For the best results with children, spend half the money you think you should, and double the time.”

Fortunately for me I have had an example of what it means to be a generationally great parent in my Grandma Cene (Marcene).

She was born in Kansas during the great depression, but despite growing up in poverty she lived in a mindset of abundance with a focus on her relationship with Christ.

She was widowed in her early 30s with three kids under 10 years old.

With my young kids that are similar ages, I often think of that tragedy and the deep sadness, fear and uncertainty she must have felt.

She could have pulled away but instead she looked to Christ to deepen her relationships.

My Grandma brought joy to every situation: making gingerbread houses at Christmas, painting rocks in her sunroom, cinnamon rolls, and the perfect dinner rolls for every holiday. These are just a few of the things that will always make me think of her.

Her most impactful moments were on Christmas Eve when she would present 20+ members of our extended family with a themed gift, and she would share how Christ coming into our world as a baby to be our savior is the true meaning of Christmas.

In her final years, she was faced with dementia. For many this confusion and loss understandably brings deep bitterness and difficulty. I believe her mind was so wired with positivity through 90+ years of cultivating positive habits and perspectives that she would often laugh through the disorientation and remain a calm and joyful presence.

The most important thing in my Grandma’s life was her Faith and relationship with Christ. She taught the Gospel to our family and to hundreds of others through demonstrating her own Christ like sacrificial love.

In the same weekend that she entered her final days of at home hospice care her generational impacts were on display as my son received his first communion.

The life she lived, the relationship with Christ she had and the abundance of love that she poured into her family has already made a an impact that will continue to unfold for many generations to come.

My Grandma Cene embodied what it means to be a generationally great parent. I am so thankful to have her as an example.

She lived her 92 years for heaven and is now able to be reunited with the Lord she served.