GOODNIGHT COWBOY
I sat through a three hour funeral yesterday and left with the sense that much more could have been said. Tim Foster was a true American hero: a gentleman in a world of rudeness, a man who lived his convictions and touched many lives as he rode life's trail. You won't see notice of his death announced on the evening news, hear celebrities eulogizing him, or watch a biography documentary of his life. Why do we so often overlook those among us who edify our lives just by being themselves? Tim was an extraordinary man who actually lived the Cowboy Way.
I didn't know Tim well. But, as someone said yesterday, when he said hello he made you feel as if you already knew him. He came to my birthday party in March. Along with several others, they provided a rip-roaring mounted shooting demonstration to the great delight of my friends and family, many of whom had never seen mounted shooting before. I know Tim lived in the moment and he lived in peace and joy. My husband met Tim at mounted shooting several years ago, both being members of California Range Riders. Like Bob, Tim had a passion for mounted shooting. Bob was instantly impressed by his gentle upbeat demeanor and helpful spirit. From the first, we knew he loved Jesus. Bob called him, "The Preacher," but his mounted shooting pseudonym was "M.H. Brumley, Texas Ranger." He had lived in California more than 20 years, but always remained a Texan at heart.
Tim worked for San Joaquin County, teaching adjudicated HS youth with drug and alcohol problems. His co-workers spoke of his love for kids, how he would spend extra time with those who had gone astray and talk to them for hours. They said he gave them something no one else would, hope and a future. HIs pastor said he would often come by church before work and spend time in prayer before beginning his day. He must have been praying for those kids.
Poignant eulogies and memories were provided to a large audience of friends and family. His father, older brother, and brother-in-law who are all pastors, spoke lovingly and tenderly. Most heart-wrenching of all, his identical twin brother, also a pastor, told of their last conversation, perhaps within an hour or two of Tim's death. Interestingly, Tim left instructions regarding his death with several loved ones and managed to spend extra time with them before he left for his last trip to Arizona where he died. God must have given Tim a heads-up that time was short. With a choked voice, Tom, his twin brother, explained the details Tim gave him which he did his best to carry out to the letter.
Tim will be buried next to his son, Shiloh. He lost his only son in 1994, the result of a traffic accident. It was said that when he heard the news, he raised his hands to God in praise for the life of his son. Instead of giving in to bitterness or questioning God's sovereign choice, Tim rejoiced in Shiloh's 16 years. He knew God's ways are good and that He can be trusted.
Tim's facebook profile contains his favorite quotations. You can learn a lot about a person by reading quotes they value. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13; "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man." Will Rogers; "Don't let a loss defeat you twice!" Mack Brown, University of Texas football coach; "Never let yesterday use up too much of today!" Mack Brown; "Makin' it in life is kinda like bustin' broncs: You're gonna get thrown a lot. The simple secret is to keep gettin' back on!" Cowboy philosophy.
They brought Tim's plain pine coffin to the funeral on a horse-drawn buggie. Fellow California Range Riders provided mounted escort and acted as pall bearers. His beloved tri-colored paint Tennesee Walking horse, Tejas, led the way. The saddle was empty and Tim's boots had been stuck in the stirrups backwards. Those boots will be mighty hard to fill.
I am a better person because Tim Foster crossed my path, however brief the encounter. I have a renewed desire to rejoice in the life God provides, to trust God's sovereignty, and make the most of my time. I will have a cheerful attitude when someone interrupts me because they need my help and will consider it a privilege. I will let God's peace and joy be my strength. Goodnight, Cowboy Tim. But not goodbye. I will see you again in glory. Perhaps, as the pastor suggested yesterday, perhaps I'll see you next riding with Jesus when He comes in the clouds with His army on white horses.
I didn't know Tim well. But, as someone said yesterday, when he said hello he made you feel as if you already knew him. He came to my birthday party in March. Along with several others, they provided a rip-roaring mounted shooting demonstration to the great delight of my friends and family, many of whom had never seen mounted shooting before. I know Tim lived in the moment and he lived in peace and joy. My husband met Tim at mounted shooting several years ago, both being members of California Range Riders. Like Bob, Tim had a passion for mounted shooting. Bob was instantly impressed by his gentle upbeat demeanor and helpful spirit. From the first, we knew he loved Jesus. Bob called him, "The Preacher," but his mounted shooting pseudonym was "M.H. Brumley, Texas Ranger." He had lived in California more than 20 years, but always remained a Texan at heart.
Tim worked for San Joaquin County, teaching adjudicated HS youth with drug and alcohol problems. His co-workers spoke of his love for kids, how he would spend extra time with those who had gone astray and talk to them for hours. They said he gave them something no one else would, hope and a future. HIs pastor said he would often come by church before work and spend time in prayer before beginning his day. He must have been praying for those kids.
Poignant eulogies and memories were provided to a large audience of friends and family. His father, older brother, and brother-in-law who are all pastors, spoke lovingly and tenderly. Most heart-wrenching of all, his identical twin brother, also a pastor, told of their last conversation, perhaps within an hour or two of Tim's death. Interestingly, Tim left instructions regarding his death with several loved ones and managed to spend extra time with them before he left for his last trip to Arizona where he died. God must have given Tim a heads-up that time was short. With a choked voice, Tom, his twin brother, explained the details Tim gave him which he did his best to carry out to the letter.
Tim will be buried next to his son, Shiloh. He lost his only son in 1994, the result of a traffic accident. It was said that when he heard the news, he raised his hands to God in praise for the life of his son. Instead of giving in to bitterness or questioning God's sovereign choice, Tim rejoiced in Shiloh's 16 years. He knew God's ways are good and that He can be trusted.
Tim's facebook profile contains his favorite quotations. You can learn a lot about a person by reading quotes they value. "I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me." Phil. 4:13; "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man." Will Rogers; "Don't let a loss defeat you twice!" Mack Brown, University of Texas football coach; "Never let yesterday use up too much of today!" Mack Brown; "Makin' it in life is kinda like bustin' broncs: You're gonna get thrown a lot. The simple secret is to keep gettin' back on!" Cowboy philosophy.
They brought Tim's plain pine coffin to the funeral on a horse-drawn buggie. Fellow California Range Riders provided mounted escort and acted as pall bearers. His beloved tri-colored paint Tennesee Walking horse, Tejas, led the way. The saddle was empty and Tim's boots had been stuck in the stirrups backwards. Those boots will be mighty hard to fill.
I am a better person because Tim Foster crossed my path, however brief the encounter. I have a renewed desire to rejoice in the life God provides, to trust God's sovereignty, and make the most of my time. I will have a cheerful attitude when someone interrupts me because they need my help and will consider it a privilege. I will let God's peace and joy be my strength. Goodnight, Cowboy Tim. But not goodbye. I will see you again in glory. Perhaps, as the pastor suggested yesterday, perhaps I'll see you next riding with Jesus when He comes in the clouds with His army on white horses.
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