Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Life's ultimate goal is never just running the race, it is finishing well. Gonz, it is easy to see you have finished well. Your life has produced an abundance of fruit in your amazing earthly journey. You touched each one of us deeply... you were a shining star, thank you.
In an attempt to pay tribute to Gonz, and as I reflect on a wonderfully unique and compassionate man, may I say that a first time encounter with Gonz practically guaranteed lasting friendship. People were simply his passion... people of all walks... family, friends or acquaintances... and he was determined to use his God-given talents to make an everlasting imprint on each life he touched. He had an incredible zest for life, and purposely viewed life with an eternal perspective, being true to the call of being a living sacrifice. Gonz exemplified...
"If a man's gift is ... serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully..." (excerpt from Romans 12)
Gonz was not only committed to caring for others (which he did exceptionally well) or to spurring others on in their life's journey. He possessed an unquenchable thirst for greater knowledge and understanding.
2 Peter 1: 5-8,10,11 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love.For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ... Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
I will miss your beautiful, contagious spirit, Gonz. I will miss your glowing face as you uttered my name, Mags! I will never forget your indomitable spirit and your uniqueness. With calm assuredness I know you received a rich welcome from our Lord Jesus as you crossed over, slipped your hand in his, and heard him exclaim, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
Marileigh "Maggie" Steadman
Santa Rosa, CA
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