An Abundant Life

Howard Binford Weaver, 89, of Navasota, Texas died Friday evening, December 29, 2017. He had a remarkable career as his obituary indicates, a paragraph of which has been extracted and entered here: 

After military service and graduation from Texas Christian University, he rejoined Weaver Apiaries and became an expert beekeeper of vast knowledge and experience.  He was respected by all and loved by many, especially the protégés he mentored.  His apicultural talents were recognized around the world, receiving honors from organizations in the United States, Australia, Europe, Central America and South America. Binford's service to the beekeeping industry remains legendary.  His political skills, industry, respect and influence with Congress benefited beekeepers in the United States with those programs he helped build here impelling similar efforts abroad.

Paragraph after paragraph record Binford’s remarkable community, national and international contributions.

But to my brother, Cornel, and me he was much more than a list of incredible achievements. We lost our father when we were very young. Our Uncle “Bimp” filled his place.

Binford was a modest, kind gentleman beloved by all who looked forward to his visits that offered encouragement, optimism and hope to all he encountered.

At his funeral I went through Bible verse after Bible verse that described him well and finally settled on two that best summed his life:

You have not chosen me but I have chosen you and appointed you to bear fruit, fruit that will last.  John 15:16

Binford left good fruit: A loving, kind son of spectacular intellect whose research in genetics and entomology has led to significant gains in the apicultural industry. Danny has three sons who may be smarter and kinder than he, if that’s possible.

His good fruit went well beyond his family. Everyone Binford met left his presence fortified with the fruits of the spirit:

Now the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Galatians 5:22

If the rest of us can live our lives as Binford led his, we all will have lived an abundant life.