Have you ever met such a human?

 Have you ever met someone universally liked?

I mean...there are some people, I guess, who because of their achievements can potentially claim the title of being universally admired...maybe...I know I'm going to say something controversial here, but it is only an illustration (please try not to dislike me too much): I could, perhaps say I sort of admire Taylor Swift...but I do not like her.  However, finding people who are liked by everyone they meet along the path of their lives...that is very rare.  Not even Jesus was liked by everyone He ever met.  On the contrary, right? He was put to death because some people didn't like what He said, what He did...who He was...and He is Perfect!  Imagine us...imperfect, wretched, sinners...of course we are NOT going to be liked by every single person we meet (trust me, I know what I'm talking about here).  Once in a while, however, there comes a person...a human, flesh and bone person, who can honestly (and usually humbly) walk around knowing that most of those who meet him or her are not going to hate their guts.

This kind of individual is typically characterized by a few traits.  Among those traits or virtues, rather, we notice first a big heart so full of love that it overflows. Their hugs are tight and abundant.  Their approach is genuine and caring.  Then we see a cheerful personality as another commonly present feature among this person's virtues, meaning, others can most certainly count on a smile, a belly laugh, a funny comment usually self-deprecating and/or sarcastic, and a silver-lining type of attitude.  They are, therefore, fun-loving, but also fun and loving.  This person is empathetic, feels deeply about others and exudes generosity.  They are generous with their time, money, talents, efforts, laughter and tears.  In a world where so many of us feel invisible, this person makes people feel seen.  The universally liked human is also smart.  Behind a seemingly goofy exterior there lies a thinker whose insight always would leave you pondering...their musings always would bring about a perspective that makes those listening, pause, reconsider and wonder.  They get it and they help you get it too.  This combination of qualities (plus others that you may add as you think of them) make it impossible for anyone to truly dislike this individual.

Have you ever met such a person?  

Does anyone's face or name come to mind to illustrate this beloved character?

Yes.  Without fearing oversimplifications or false idolization, I believe that I can honestly answer yes to these questions. I had the honor, privilege and blessing of meeting someone who was not terribly disliked by anyone within the universe in which he lived.  That does not mean that sometimes we might have not rolled our eyes at his comments or might have occasionally wanted to punch him on the face once in a while...but always in good fun!  Not only he wasn't universally hated, he was actually deeply loved...so much so...that Jesus called him home way too soon because he couldn't spare him any longer. And now, though we rejoice he is enjoying his rewards as he has already heard, "well done good and faithful servant," we are left wandering in this valley of shadows and tears with one less shining light in our world to guide us.  The voice, words and laughter are silenced, the jokes have ceased, the hands are idle.  The memories, however, remain.  The legacy of faith, love, integrity, joy and selflessness lives in the hearts and souls of his family and in all who knew him on this side of eternity.

Our loss is great, but his gain is bigger.  We just pray in confidence that the same Jesus who saved him, redeemed him, inspired him, guided him and loved him has already welcomed him into His glory as He gives us acceptance, peace, strength and hope to continue on in this life without our friend and brother in Christ until we too, are also called home.

In memory of our beloved Sam Jones...lifting his dear wife, children, grandchildren and the rest of the Jones Clan in prayer as we mourn together the passing of someone who represented the spirit of our church.  In Christ we wait.  Come, Lord Jesus, come.