This past Monday evening I had the pleasure of attending a banquet to honor Dr. Don Finto as Pastor of the Year as  recognized by the Operation Andrew Group here in Nashville. I have known Don for over twenty-five years as we have pastored together in the same city. For twelve plus years we participated together in a pastor’s small group meeting simply called Metro Pastor’s Fellowship. I cannot begin to express the joy that group brought to my life as we walked together as brothers in Christ. While there was never an official leader, Pastor Don was the one we looked to for leadership and guidance.

Though in some ways we were peers Don was the spiritual father figure we all looked up too. Filled with wisdom and truth, Don would always seem to have the right word at the right time for every occasion.

Knowing and walking with Don over two decades helped me understand Paul’s word to young Timothy: 2 Timothy 2:1–2 (ESV) ¹ You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, ² and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Don has been a faithful steward of the gifts that God has given to him. He has been and continues to be a leader who invest in future generations. His love for Christ, the church, pastors, and people of all kinds makes him stand taller than most. He has a smile that is infectious and a heart that is continually overflowing with mercy and grace. Now into his 80′s he continues to minister with the strength of a man half his age.

When I grow up I want to be like Don. He is truly a man that has blessed many along the journey. Don, speaking for many of us who have been privileged to walk with you, we love you. You are our hero. Lead on and we will follow.

She has only been with us a few months but it seems like she has always been part of our family. Zoe is my four year old granddaughter; the daughter of Tori & Derek Jones (my daughter & son-in-law). Her name not only means life but she is FULL of life. While the other grandkids refer to me as Tato, she refers to me as Cha-Cha for reasons known only to her.

Her beautiful dark Ethiopian skin, brown eyes, and pearly white teeth really set her aside in a family full of blondes and blues. She has a laugh that is infectious, a smile that is contagious, and she is as quick as a cheetah. So how could any such child possibly need medical attention?

A few days ago during a routine physical the doctor spotted something that caused him concern. He scheduled additional tests for Zoe which led to even more test. Bottom line is Zoe is now scheduled for surgery on October 27 at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. It appears that 75% of her stomach has pushed it way into her chest through a hole in her diaphragm. While this is not a life threatening situation at this time it is something that has to be corrected immediately. So once again our family could really use your prayer support. The doctor has told us to prepare for a least a five day stay in the hospital, so her first Halloween may be courtesy of VCH which I understand throws a great party for their kids.

That same week Carrie is expecting her fourth child, Lucie, who is due to make her arrival also at Vanderbilt. So as you are praying would you please consider placing our family on your prayer list? We do believe in prayer. Already we can see the hand of God in the fact that Zoe is here and can get the medical attention she needs, so we are counting our blessings even as we face our challenges. Blessings to all.

Rick

Several months ago Patti and I were having dinner with some dear friends in Franklin. During our meal, I noticed my friend was wearing a pair of great looking boots. I commented on how good they looked and asked about their comfort. Come to find out these were not just any boots. They were custom fitted and hand made. He asked me if I had ever worn boots to which I replied I had not. My friend then said he would like to buy me a pair of custom made boots, but I would have to go to Dallas in order to be fitted. (When I found out what a pair of boots, especially custom boots cost I was first, blown away, and second, most grateful for a friend willing to give me that kind of a gift). Well, that was months ago and, honestly, I had forgotten all about it until I had to make a trip to Dallas this week. I called my friend back home to make sure he still wanted to do this, get the name of the boot maker and then made an appointment for a fitting. Now let me just say that today I learned more about about boots than I ever knew was possible .

But I also learned a valuable life lesson about taking care of people. From the moment I walked in the door of M.L. Leddy’s (boot maker), I was made to feel like the most important person in Ft. Worth. The service went beyond friendly; it was extraordinary! First, there were introductions by name of everyone who had a part in the process. The lady up front walked me to the fitting room and introduced me to Raz, who would, for the next 90 minutes, measure my feet about every way you could measure a foot. He traced my feet into the pages of an old-fashioned bank ledger and assigned me a page andbook number where all my measurements are recorded forever. I joined the ranks of 250,000 customers that have included presidents, rock stars and royalty since 1922.

It was the kind of experience that their website promised, “a welcomed respite from the world’s hurried and impersonal pace.” Conversation was like friends getting together for lunch, lots of fun, lots of laughter. Attention to detail was unbelievable to the adjustment of the arch support  in the left boot by 1/16th of an inch. Raz had me to try on more than a dozen pairs of boots in order to keep tweaking to make sure I got just the perfect fit. Now keep in mind that my boots won’t be ready for another 10 months!

When we were finished, I walked out the door almost laughing about the whole experience. Wow! While most people in our society over promise and under deliver, I had just had the service experience of a lifetime (I called my very gracious friend back home just to thank him for the experience)!

As I have thought about this experience all day, it has really made me think about our “customer service” at TPC. Do we make people feel that we really appreciate their presence? When they leave our service do they feel like their investment of time was worth it? Did we over promise and under deliver or did we provide the kind of experience we advertise? I want to go home and take a fresh look at the details of how we do ministry. I want every person who walks in our doors to have the best experience that we can humanly provide. I have a new determination to “Give ‘Em the Boot.

P.S. I am looking forward to receiving and wearing my new boots almost as much as I enjoyed visiting the great folks at M.L. Leddy’s.