A life well lived

Today I attended the funeral of a girl I never knew in life. I only knew of her through Scott Devlin. They had been seeing each other and developing a relationship for the past few months. Off and on he would tell me things about this girl who was so cool, and all these things they would do together. I hadn’t talked to him recently. Then Friday morning, I got the news that on Wednesday night, he was following her home when a sudden burst of lightning in the storming rain caused her to go off the road and hit a tree and instantly she was taken from this life to the next.

The thing that has impressed me the most is the testimony of this 20-year-old girl named Jessica Wolfe. I truly wished I could have met her because of the stories I heard from so many people spoke of her kindness, generosity, love, care, smile, and exuberance and enthusiasm for life. Above all, they spoke of her love and passion for Jesus. From her co-workers at the home for those with special needs, to her high school friends and church family, people’s lives were touched by this girl. She made a kingdom impact – both in her life and her death. It was amazing that over a thousand people showed up for her viewing yesterday. Today, the church was packed. But the focus was continually being directed toward Jesus Christ. From the worship songs, to the testimonies, to the prayers and the message, it was clear that the true desire of her heart in life was that everyone she came into contact with would come to know Jesus as she knew Him.

I can only imagine that when life here ceased for her and she was translated into the throne room of heaven, to worship on the sea of crystal before the love of her life – Jesus, the pure joy and love and energy that must have poured through her. At that moment, I can imagine that all her questions were answered, and destinies understood. She now lives in what we try to comprehend but can’t, and experiences what we long to have – true and perfect intimacy with Jesus Christ.

It was a day of tears for many, but rejoicing as well. For as the pastor said, “we do not mourn as those who have no hope.” And as Scott wrote in his song, “it’s not good bye, but see ya later.” To me, that’s the best part of it all.