Let me introduce to you someone I admire,
someone who inspired me to re-venture overseas.
someone who inspired me to re-venture overseas.
But first, let me set it up:
My junior year of high school was filled with transition. Fresh off the mission field, I readjusted to life in the States. I picked up my first job watching after-school kids at minimum wage. I joined the varsity basketball team. I reconnected with old friends and made others through a local youth group. Wednesdays quickly became my favorite day of the week. The worship, fellowship, games, and messages were great. Youth group made my transition easy.
One day Pastor Ryan told me and a friend about a man from church who needed some yard work done. Jonathan and I quickly jumped at the offer for some extra cash and, shortly after, found ourselves pulling down a gravel driveway to the Smith's residence on Deer Run.
A large man approached us and began to lay out his expectations for a perfectly groomed garden. No leaves. No weeds. No sticks. No rocks. Nothing but plants and flowers or the job wasn't complete. He was an intense man who knew what he wanted. He was intimidating, as was his expectation for perfection. But behind the seemingly crass and calloused covering there was something sweet and tender. After laying down the law of perfection in the morning, he laid down two Subway sandwiches for us at lunch.
One day Pastor Ryan told me and a friend about a man from church who needed some yard work done. Jonathan and I quickly jumped at the offer for some extra cash and, shortly after, found ourselves pulling down a gravel driveway to the Smith's residence on Deer Run.
A large man approached us and began to lay out his expectations for a perfectly groomed garden. No leaves. No weeds. No sticks. No rocks. Nothing but plants and flowers or the job wasn't complete. He was an intense man who knew what he wanted. He was intimidating, as was his expectation for perfection. But behind the seemingly crass and calloused covering there was something sweet and tender. After laying down the law of perfection in the morning, he laid down two Subway sandwiches for us at lunch.
It was then that I thought to myself, This isn't so bad after all.
Garden on the east sideOne tedious job was enough for Jonathan, but I chose to stay. Cleaning garden beds was the first of many tasks. It gradually spider-webbed into a regular general maintenance and grounds keeping position. I trimmed grass; cleared trees and planted others; weeded, preened, and mulched gardens; cleaned gutters; laid seed; power-washed and stained decks; decorated for Christmas; blew leaves; shoveled snow; built a greenhouse; watched turkey and chickens and Patches the cat and the house. I ran chainsaws and blowers and mowers and trimmers. I drove the tractor and trailers with brush, mulch, and compost. You get the idea; I did work.
Many hours have been spent at the Smith's residence over the past six years. At the beginning, money was the main motivation. I had never done manual labor for compensation before then. It felt good to work with my hands and get recognized for it financially. But with each job, I got to know a very interesting man a little more. The pay became more than cash and checks. Morning chats, water breaks, and afternoon discussions 'til dusk was when I got to know him best.
Many hours have been spent at the Smith's residence over the past six years. At the beginning, money was the main motivation. I had never done manual labor for compensation before then. It felt good to work with my hands and get recognized for it financially. But with each job, I got to know a very interesting man a little more. The pay became more than cash and checks. Morning chats, water breaks, and afternoon discussions 'til dusk was when I got to know him best.
- Interpersonal conflict.
- Fundamental attributes of God.
- Doctrinal differences.
- Relationship with family, friends, enemies, and lovers.
- Economical decline.
- Occupational pursuits.
- People, destiny, love, and the purpose of life.
Tom and his grand kids in the front gardenHe demanded perfection I couldn't give. I pulled flowers instead of weeds. I broke glass and tools and machines. I hit water lines, multiple times. I spilled gas. I scalped grass. I even broke his zip-line. I made mistakes quite often. But I tried. And that's what he chose to see. I always tried to do it right. I always tried to fix what I broke. I always tried to learn from mistakes. The perfection of effort was there even when the grass and flowers weren't.
Somewhere along the line, my initial fear of Tom turned into respect. Intimidation became imitation. You see, about the time I met him, Tom was diagnosed with cancer and not given long to live. He could have taken this news and rolled over and quit. But Tom isn't like that. He's a fighter. He has beaten the odds numerous times to find himself beyond his troubled past, above his current trials, and reaching higher. He took a basic forklift position and managed to climb the corporate ladder to an esteemed management position that flew him around the world, took him on exotic retreats, and retired him well - complete with a $20,000 Rolex. He fought for what he wanted.
When he was diagnosed, he didn't roll over, he didn't quit, he simply began fighting for what he wanted…to live. Tom's spirit and miraculous help from God brought him through many storms that could have easily taken his life.
"A man's spirit sustains him in sickness,
but a crushed spirit who can bear?"
Proverbs 18:14
but a crushed spirit who can bear?"
Proverbs 18:14
Norma Smith plays a huge part in this testimony. The power of prayer is evident through the faithful and persevering support of Tom's beloved wife. Spending nights at hospitals and countless hours in prayer, Norma's love for Tom and faith in God has never faltered. Who wouldn't fight to spend life with a woman like that? Tom did.
Tom and Norma at Matterhorn
If you ask him, he may not admit it. But behind his humble spirit he knows he has overcome the medical predictions, survived the painful treatments, and destroyed the statistics for survival. He hasn't only survived this incredibly torturous disease. He has thrived in its midst.
Through considerable pain and weakness, Tom has managed to host annual baptisms at his private lake; successfully partner in Empty Pockets housing rentals; faithfully attend men's group at Denny's; continually support the church, youth group, and missionaries abroad; generously invest in the lives of others; and even manage to play a starring role in a sermon series video for Christmas.
PJ and I shoveling Tom's driveway
There are many reasons why I appreciate you, Tom. Everything from your delicious soups and love of nature to your directive mannerisms and unique interaction with animals. But mostly, I love the time you took, the words you spoke, and the lessons you taught me by sharing your life with a slave. :)
Tom and Norma at my high school graduation
Tom and Norma at MatterhornIf you ask him, he may not admit it. But behind his humble spirit he knows he has overcome the medical predictions, survived the painful treatments, and destroyed the statistics for survival. He hasn't only survived this incredibly torturous disease. He has thrived in its midst.
Through considerable pain and weakness, Tom has managed to host annual baptisms at his private lake; successfully partner in Empty Pockets housing rentals; faithfully attend men's group at Denny's; continually support the church, youth group, and missionaries abroad; generously invest in the lives of others; and even manage to play a starring role in a sermon series video for Christmas.
PJ and I shoveling Tom's driveway
Tom and Norma at my high school graduationIt was an honor to stand in the legacy you're living;
It was inspiring to watch you run the race;
It was empowering to work the land together;
And I will forever be changed.
It was inspiring to watch you run the race;
It was empowering to work the land together;
And I will forever be changed.
Thank you.
- that missionary in Africa…who wasn't going to return :)
