Yesterday I attended the funeral of my brother-in-law Marty's brother, Tony Overweg.  Tony was only 36 years old when he died.  He left behind a devoted mother, 3 sisters, 1 brother, and lots of nieces and nephews.  Tony didn't have a wife or children -- Tony was profoundly autistic.

I never met Tony, but my heart was so moved at his funeral.   It was evident that his family loved him so very much.  It was a joy to hear about Tony's life from those knew him best.  My heart broke when I heard of the struggles his parents endured during the early years of Tony's life.  And I was happy to hear how this past year was one of peace and joy for Tony.  He loved where he was currently living and was well-acclimated to his new home and community.  It was fun to hear Marty and his sisters tell us about Tony's interests as well as his little quirks.  It's obvious that even though Tony wasn't able to live at home for the past 31 years of his life, he was dearly loved by his family and their friends.

Tony's sister, Carmen, gave a touching and beautiful tribute of his life at the funeral yesterday.  I loved that she ended it by saying Tony was welcomed into heaven with a resounding, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!".

I've been thinking about that ever since.  I agree wholeheartedly that God welcomed Tony with those beautiful words.  What makes it so precious is that Tony truly didn't "do" anything to earn those words!  He never served as an elder or a deacon; never led a Bible study; never went to Promise Keepers; never gave his testimony (verbally, at least); never intentionally led someone to Christ; never planted a church; never served on a church committee; never went to Cadets or youth group; never read the Bible through in one year; never taught a Sunday School class...never, never, never...never did all those things that we tend to think will earn our way into heaven.  We run ourselves ragged trying to earn our way into the good graces of God.  How futile.  How sad.  And how totally blind to the ways of God's love.

So if Tony didn't do anything, then what compelled his Abba Father to throw open His arms to Tony and welcome him with excitement and joy into heaven??  The same thing that compels Him to embrace all of His children close to His heart.  It's because of HIS love and HIS actions!  God's love for us is astounding.  His love and His grace paves the way for us to enter into His presence, on both sides of heaven!  It's not what we do that makes Him love us so...He loves us so much because of what Jesus has done.  His very essence is love!

Yesterday's funeral was such a good reminder that God doesn't expect us to earn our way into heaven (nor, in fact, can we).  At the very foundation of our relationship with God is His acceptance of us based on who He is and what He has sacrificed for us.  When we, in humility accept His love and allow God to pour His Spirit into us, we can serve Him in whatever capacity He calls us to.  But we serve out of love and thankfulness, not to earn our spot in heaven.  Some of us are given more abilities than others.  Some are given more responsibilities.  But God looks at the heart, not the actions.  Tony served God with the abilities entrusted to Him.  And it was pleasing and acceptable to His Father.

Tony is no longer trapped in body and mind.  Now he's finally free to love and serve and worship and praise the One who loves and adores him!  Someday we'll all be set free from these earthly bodies and minds to do the same thing!  What a day that will be!!