The Funeral & Making An Impact

In conclusion of my last post titled Goodbye, Precious Jonathan, I had planned to write a "sappy" post saying how sad today was, Jonathan's funeral. Indeed, it was a mournful day – both his funeral, and first birthday. But it wasn't as sad as I expected. During the funeral service itself, nearly every second of Mr. Wegner's speaking or the beautiful birds chirping, was accompanied by sniffles and the saddened spirit of everyone.

As we stood around the casket, praying, singing and remembering, people weren't actually despairing. We were sad, of course, but still had hope in our Savior. Jonathan is in Heaven now, and that's something to rejoice about. Both during the service, and afterwards when we went to the Wegners' house, others said several things like this: "Jonathan is in Heaven now because he completed everything he was called to do on Earth." This made me think: What did Jonathan complete on Earth?

This is a question a Wegner would have the best answer to. I only met Jonathan once in my life, but his life taught me several things. I have been thinking about this a lot, and here are three things his life, though not a year old, taught me:

• Value of others. The main thing that caused me to mourn over all this was not that Jonathan died, but how much pain his family must have (and will) go through. I cannot imagine it. Then I think, "What would happen if one of my siblings (or someone else close), were to die today? What regrets would I have?" It is a motivational though; would I want this to be the last thing I say, or do, to them? Ephesians 4:32: "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
  
• God's Power. As we sat around talking behind the Wegners' house, one of the Home Church days in March was brought up - the Sunday when we anointed Jonathan's head with oil. In the weeks after, God worked a miracle in Jonathan and amazed the doctors. This was probably the biggest showing of God's omnipotent power that I have ever experienced, but, Lord willing, it won't be the last. :D James 1:5-6a, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering..."
• Preciousness of Life. Life is so precious, and I need to treat as if this is my last day to live. I have always had the mindset of, "I have a whole life ahead of me to prepare for," when, in fact, I could be taken away in "the twinkling of an eye." I need to not take life for granted; only God knows what the future will bring.

If Jonathan could make such an impact in less than a year (and I'm sure others were impacted by his life), what is our excuse for achieving even less for God in many years? I am the best example of this. As Ryan C. said during our discussion, we need to find out what our mission for God is and give our all for it. Today, both at the funeral and afterwards, inspired me to put more of my focus on God. I am forever greatly for this day.

Hebrews 3:13:
"But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin."

It was just an amazing day. I was also able to talk to so many people for the first time in awhile. Here are a few pictures from at the Wegners' house:

Ryan Cooper :D


The main area:


Some of us while talking:

It's late, so I must be going to bed. Good night all, and...

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God bless, J.J. Biddinger