That is what my grandfather lived. Papa was a man that so many people looked to for wisdom and guidance. And his funeral showed just that. There were 300 to 400 people at his funeral, and many of them under 50. This is a lot for someone who died at 78. By the time most older people are buried, only a few of their friends are left, and family. So they have rather small funerals. But I think the sheer amount of people that came to give condolences shows the great man that my Papa was. He gave up so much of his time and money to others, that I do not know how he managed to raise such a wonderful family. It seems like something should have fallen to the wayside, family, friends, work, extra stuff. But it did not. Five different people shared about ways that Warren lived his life. He practically built the Oakland Zoo. He was on the board at Bethany College for many years. He was dedicated to his work and had more integrity and respect than anyone I know. He gave up many hours to his church and spent many years teaching a Sunday School class, he let the men in Teen Challenge know that they could change and be a new creation. But most of all, he loved his family. He left us a legacy of faith that not many people have. Three children and their spouses, 7 grandchildren and three fiances, and his beautiful wife. We all have a faith that is real, a relationship with the Lord that is everlasting.
The service on Monday was a true inspiration. Papa was a man that lived well. I want to be able to honor him and live my life that well. To inspire so many people. And to touch so many lives. To hear his nephew cry about how he sent money to get him books for college (with no strings attached) was so incredibly touching. In a society where we are so stingy with money and want to make ourselves the best, he gave fully to others. And still provided for his family and had a beautiful house! i want to know how he balanced it.
One thing my Papa did that Matthew and I have been doing for the past year or so is nightly prayer. Every night we pray before one of us (whoever goes to bed sooner) goes to sleep. When we get married I plan on continuing that. But also, starting my day with prayer, just as Papa and Mama did. I know that no matter what was going on, I had at least one prayer going up for me daily. That is what makes a marriage work and starts a day off right
