Goodbye to A Grateful Man

Tom Bettger (Molly Rank's dad) died last Thursday in a tragic bicycle accident. Nicole and I had the privilege of spending time with Molly's family in Boise, Idaho this weekend. Throughout our time with them, there is no doubt that he would be easily described as a great man. From the family members he encouraged, to the refugees he ministered to, to the woman who cut his hair who he impacted, to my daughter who he lavished his affection upon, there is an endless list of great things he has done. But to remember him this way falls a tad short for me.

No, looking back, what defines Tom to me was not that he was a great man, but that he was a grateful man. Tom understood that he was blessed beyond anything he could ever deserve. As if his salvation was not enough, God blessed him with a beautiful wife who loved him dearly, children and a son-in-law who adored him, fantastic brothers, a sister and nieces and nephews who love the Lord and each other. He had been given the opportunity to share in the joy of doing God's work and for all of this you could tell he was terribly grateful. He did not do great things for the sake of doing great things. They were what overflowed from his grateful spirit.

To have him as a role model could be overwhelming if one felt like they had to do all the amazing things that he did. But you did not have to live with Tom for years to realize that he was not overwhelmed by trying to do good. He was just so thankful for everything God had done for him and wanted nothing more than for others to know how much God loves them too. In the news clip I attached there is a shot of him crazy in love with his grandson Graham. If that is not a look of a thankful man I don't know what is.

If I could take one thing away from knowing Tom, it is the richness of life that comes from having a spirit of Thankfulness. I suppose I will start honoring his memory by just thanking God that I was able to know him.

In the words of Ty Pennington, "Theres only one thing left to say: Welcome home TOM!! Welcome home!!"

And in the words of Tom himself, "If I don't see you in the future, I will see you in the pasture"

Tom, we will see you in the pasture.

(Visit Molly's blog to post a note of encouragement)