Celebrating the Life of a Friend

Today, I came home from work to find an e-mail that my college roommate and friend had passed away. I never know how to handle the passing of a dear friend or family member. My initial reaction is selfish… “We’ll never be able to _____ again.” Then I experience sadness for his family… “How will they cope with the loss of their husband and father?”

In the end, I have to remember that our life is a gift given us by God to use for a short while. There is no greater end to life then the knowledge that the fragile human shell we live in is stripped away and replaced with a perfect body and an eternity with God.

Jayson Jewell was a man that lived the example of Christ-like love and character, truly caring for others, brining joy to those with whom he came in contact with.

Despite the tears and sadness we are experiencing now, the world is a better place because God loaned us Jayson for a few short years. I am a better man because I knew Jayson as my friend and roommate. During this time of mourning, I pray that his family and friends can embrace his life in Christ even through his absence.