Pastor Thom's Inspiring Life
When I found out that Pastor Thom had gone to be with God, I really just couldn't believe it. I kept thinking "no, I'm sure they mean somebody else" and I still can't wrap my mind around the fact that I won't be seeing Thom again until we are all united in Heaven. On Sunday, I kept expecting to see him come up and shake my hand or give me a pat on the back and a smile. It's funny how such small gestures like a "hello how are you?" or a smile of acknowledgment can mean so much to somebody! I know his kindness meant a lot to me. As the church has grown and grown (which is a good thing, I know) I've found it hard to hold onto that feeling of it feeling like my family - at church I'd look around and see a sea of new faces and I began to feel like an outsider - but Thom would always find me and wouldn't let himself pass by me without a hug or a kind greeting and that quite literally brought me back to that feeling of belonging and that I had friends at the church. He knew my name - he seemed to know everyone's name - and its amazing how important that makes you feel! I want to be more like Thom. I find it so easy to get sucked into my own busy world - always running late, thinking about what I have to do after church, etc., that I have lost whats most important....people. Thom knew what was most important. It showed on his welcoming face, his genuine kindness and concern for others and he took it upon himself daily that they feel welcomed into RLFC. I want to be like that. Thom, I have no doubt that when you saw God's face, you heard the words "Well done, my good and faithful servant." Race well run Thom! Can't wait till we all get to hang out again.