Tim

Family has always been very important to me. I have cousins that are older, younger, the same age, aunts, uncles, parents, brothers, a sister-in-law, grandparents and unique relationships with each of them. One very special family member that was always near to my heart was my uncle, Tim. Tim was my dad's oldest brother. He was born mentally retarded due to a lack of oxygen from a breached birth. Something that could have been prevented? Possibly... but I know that the Lord had great plans for Tim and his influence on people, and especially his influence on me.

Tim at age three

Tim (5), Scott (1), and Jeff (3)

If you wanted Tim to be happy with a birthday or Christmas gift there were three things you should remember: Pens. Paper. Gum. The perfect Trifecta. When Tim would come home to Wichita Falls he could be found watching Country Music Television, chewing gum, and writing his name over and over and over. T-I-M. T-I-M. T-I-M. After he would leave, you would always find my grandma pulling up all of the couch cushions to find wrappers and pen caps that were curiously shoved around the perimeter of where Tim was sitting.

Tim's signature

Tim receiving pens and paper on his birthday

Tim lived at the state school in Denton, Texas. He moved there around age 12 when it was a brand new facility after being on a waiting list for a couple of years, and stayed there until his death at age 52. I would get to go visit with my grandma whenever she went. The school was a quaint community with a church, a small store, dorms, and places for the capable residents to have jobs to help keep the place up and to earn a little money. Tim worked in the laundry and loved it. I remember one time when I was around 8 years old my grandma and I got there and Tim greeted us with a big smile on his face.

Tim and friends at Denton State School

"Assin!" was how he always said my name, which was followed by a big hug that was probably a little too tight because he didn't know his own strength.

I don't know why it has stuck in my memory, such a small gesture that still means so much to me to this day. I can remember Tim going into the office to withdraw money from what small amount he earned so he could buy me a drink from the vending machine. It didn't matter to him that he didn't have a lot to spend, he just wanted to do something kind for his little niece to show how much he cared about me.

I can look back at that moment in time and think about how sweet that was, but the great thing is that I am able to use that as a template of how I should relate with others. From what I actually am able to give (time, prayers, kind gestures), I should be withdrawing and maxing out my efforts. As a follower of Christ, I should be showing the people around me the love and effort that God puts forth unconditionally for me.

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.  By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” -John 13:34-35

A couple of years ago my dad told me a story about how he was driving through Denton for work when he was younger and had his radio on the local station. Every year the Dallas Cowboys would grant wishes for some of the residents at the school. Tom Landry was helping that day and had asked one resident if he could have anything for Christmas what would it be, and Tim's voice came on the radio answering "a bicycle." Not only was my dad shocked to hear Tim's voice on the radio, he was surprised what Tim asked for. Funny thing is, Tim had never ridden a bicycle and being over thirty years old, he probably would never ride the one that would be so generously given to him.

Just as Tim had asked for something he wouldn't even use, we are so often found asking God for what we want, but what might not be the most applicable or beneficial to our lives. This past semester I prayed and hoped that I would be accepted on a study abroad trip within my major that not only would count for two classes I needed, but would really build my resume. After wanting it for so long and being one of the few that were accepted, God made it clear that He had other plans for my summer. I was so consumed with the idea of getting a high paying job by having a more than average resume that I forgot to listen for God's response to my prayers. Luckily, when God asks something of us, He makes it very clear if we are willing to listen. After going back and forth on whether or not to stick with the study abroad trip, God opened several other doors for me to go to the Ukraine, Romania, and Italy. It was pretty obvious that building my resume wasn't priority for this summer.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."  -Jeremiah 29:11

Out of the different lessons learned from being blessed with Tim in my life, I am most grateful for the way it opened my heart up to people with special needs. Had Tim not been in my life, I might not be in the ministry I am today with Young Life Capernaum (which I am so excited to tell all of you about in a post soon to come).


Tim's favorite song was "Jesus Loves Me," and although simple, it speaks truth and truth that we can rely on.

Jesus loves me! this I know,
For the Bible tells me so.
Little ones to Him belong;
they are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
Yes, Jesus loves me!
The Bible tells me so.

You can donate to the Denton State School by clicking here.