So Who Showed Up?

Ever wonder who will show up to your memorial? An honoring of life gathering took place yesterday for my dear friend Jon. He died suddenly in a bicycle race on March 2.


The memorial gathering was delayed several months and I was vaguely concerned attendance would be sparse. The sting of losing Jon would be fading and people are busy doing other stuff in the short Pacific Northwest summer. Aside from his brother Greg, Jon would have no family there. Jon endured tragic estrangement from his own children since a painful divorce when they were young. He was transparent about his journey and carried the burden of rejection and isolation with grace.

As the gathering was gelling it became clear that nearly 200 people would be in attendance. They came from near and far. How could that be? Who were these people? Do you even know 200 people? Turns out Jon’s real family showed up. His faith family. People who knew Jon through a lifetime of fellowship with other seekers and believers. They knew Jon’s heart and blessed it with the gift of presence. Honoring Jon in unison. How amazing is that!?

There was plenty to honor. Jon was strong of mind, body, and spirit - and lived with an independent boldness. Inspiring to behold from so many perspectives.

Jon left some words in his will that he wanted shared when he passed. The essence of what Jon had to share included insights about finding our maker. Jon observed you don’t find God by soaring high. You find God by going low. Growth flourishes in the moist valley, not on mountain tops. When humbled and needy we can move beyond barriers to being filled with the spirit of the Lord.

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