Earlier today, we celebrated the life of the most magnificent man. My Uncle Jim lived an incredible life, and he lived it simply.
Death is a strange thing. There is such joy in knowing that he is with the Lord, but there is such heartbreak that our time with him on this earth is over. My heart is sad for my beautiful Aunt Mildred who has spent the last 71 years with him in marriage. What a beautiful picture of grace and commitment.
These are the words straight from my heart that were shared at the funeral today. I am so grateful that my family asked me to spill out my feelings with this short note, it is truly a blessing to reflect on the impact of such an influential person.
_______________________
Sitting down to write a little something to share with you
all about what my Uncle Jim has meant to me, to my family, has proved to be a
near impossible task. How does one sum up 21 years of September birthdays,
Thanksgiving feasts, wrestling matches in the living room, watching Riverdance repeatedly, and countless
other traditions and memories? I don’t believe it is possible. But through all
of the memories, all of the times we shared together over the past 21 years of my life,
here are the things that I think you have to understand about the most
incredible man I have ever had the honor of meeting, knowing, and loving:
The first thing to know about Uncle Jim is that his name
isn’t actually Jim. Apparently, its John Mark, but I’m still not entirely sure
that I believe that. Jim just seems to
fit too well.
Next, its important to note that when Santa is off duty,
sometimes Uncle Jim steps in.
My mom’s favorite stories about her childhood always include
Christmas morning shouts of “Ho,Ho,Ho!” undoubtedly followed by the hearty
laugh that is so near and familiar to us all. While I wasn’t there to share in
the joy of those Christmas mornings, I have enjoyed that laugh of his that
seems to come straight from an overflow of a childlike heart- the same heart
that loves to spook Alyssa and Weston as they creep by his armchair to get to
the kitchen and the same heart that tries to convince Amy and I that there is
only enough butterscotch pie for one of us.
Uncle Jim is a servant. Yesterday, as I was overhearing
conversations about the life that he lived so well, I couldn’t help but notice
a theme of servanthood. Neighbors, church family, friends- no one could speak
of my uncle Jim without mentioning how he is always busy helping people. From
mowing lawns to home repairs to picking up donuts in the morning, he is quick
to see a need, and even quicker to fill it. He does it out of love and
humility, never asking for recognition or repayment. He truly is the hands of
Christ. Whether they are holding the hand of a child, an offering plate, or a hammer, they are always occupied in the act of service.
Uncle Jim is humble. Of the many verses that I believe
reflect the heart of such a Godly man, this is the one that sticks out most. It
is from Philippians 2 and says:
Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count
other more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not to his own
interests, but also to the interest of others. Have this mind among yourselves,
which is yours in Christ Jesus.
What a beautiful picture of Christ- counting others as more
significant than yourself. Uncle Jim truly lives that out by living simply,
loving people, and honoring the Lord always. Wow, Jesus, make this prideful
heart more like that!
And finally, my Uncle Jim loves my Aunt Mildred. Their
marriage is truly a human picture of a God that pursues his people and
sacrifices himself as a kindly groom for the good of his most precious bride. (Ephesians 5) I
don’t know that I could possibly string together the right words to adequately
describe what their marriage has meant to my life, to my walk with Christ, to
my hopes for the future. Through their marriage, I have learned the meaning of
commitment. I have learned the meaning of respect. I have learned the meaning
of submission. I have learned the meaning of sacrifice. And, most of all, I
have learned the meaning of love.
It truly is a treasure to see the face of God in this world.
For some, it may be in a sunset or in a smiling newborn. For me, God has
revealed Himself in the union of two imperfect people who love each other with
grace that can only come from the perfect Trinity.
When I catch him looking at her with pure appreciation, affection, and
pride, I see how Christ looks at me and calls me His with delight. I see the
kind of love that is designed by a perfect creator to show off His glory to the
world. And that is exactly what their love has done in this life, and what it will
continue to do in memory for years to come.
Praise the Lord for my Uncle Jim. I can practically see him, standing firm and
still before the Savior of the World, without the weakness of this world,
hearing the Holy one say, “Well done, my
good and faithful servant. Well done.”
