God is in CONTROL

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Sheriff Ted


We have sustained a tremendous loss in our Church family this week. Our friend, Sheriff Ted Self, has taken a new assignment and left a gaping hole in our fellowship. This past Saturday night, shortly after Ted finished his day working at the flea market, God took him home.

Sheriff. Ted managed security for our Children's ministry center for many years and did it with a grandfather's care and concern for kids. We got to church last Sunday morning and since it wasn't Ted's usual Sunday to work, no one was surprised to find someone else sitting at Ted's desk, but we all found ourselves looking for him.

One little five year old came through the door looking for Mr. Ted because he always had a special donut for her. She passed up breakfast and looked for his red truck in the parking lot because that meant he'd have her treat waiting. Our son, Marshall, came into town unexpectedly from India this Sunday, and first thing he did was stop by the children's center to look for Ted because he always enjoyed their "catch up" time.

Ted watched over the children with a grandfather's gentle parenting. If kids were rowdy and roughhousing he would calm them down. If a class was understaffed he would find the necessary help for the class. He got there early and made coffee, hid the Daylight donuts he'd bought for the teaching staff and made sure the thermostats were set correctly and fans or heaters were in the needed places so the classrooms would be ready for the little ones. Children felt his love and good humor.

Ted's Class. One Sunday when Marshall was home for a visit I asked which Bible Class he had attended. He responded humorously, by saying "Ted's" "It was "open mic and so we both talked." Ted, of course, didn't have an official class but many people did want to sit with him while he worked the front desk. Teenage girls would chatter on and on to Ted about what was happening in their lives. He would often say to me "I'm not sure why they're telling me all this." He would nod and smile as they talked and return to his Sunday morning paper. Our daughter also made sure she got to visit "Ted's class" when she was back from Kansas City. People found him to be a good listener and ready to offer a soft answer which was always heavy with wit and western wisdom.


Collector. Ted had an eye for the needful and the necessary. I believe he truly lived by the axiom, "one man's trash is another man's treasure" and he worked hard to find what his friends could use or were collecting. He told me that he knew teachers needed lots of supplies and that he liked to furnish necessary items for their classrooms. I loved it when Ted would meet me on Sundays mornings with ''I found a $5" box at the flea market and thought you could use some of it for teaching.". There would be all sorts of treasures! He knew Terry's love for Texas and passed on different memorabilia from his home state. I have to say that right now, looking at all the things you've given, Ted, makes the pangs of loss even deeper.

Handy-Man/Servant. I was told that Ted kept a list of people who needed help with particular chores. He didn't move folks up on his list but took them in turn as he could get to them and didn't like to be pressured to put your job ahead of someone else's. He was a no fuss / no frills kind of guy who showed up, did a great job and made sure that things were in good repair.

Grandfather. To his grandchildren I would like to say that you were often in his conversation. He had your best interest at heart and would show your pictures to others as he bragged on you and told your stories -- your welfare was his first priority.

Father. To his sons. You were his pride and joy.

Philosopher.Ted lived long enough and being a student of human nature had a homespun philosophy that represented life's important values. Sitting desk on Sundays, he often shared his thoughts about the state of the world, the government, the economy and weightier life issues. Those who've received Ted's frequent e-mails experienced his humor and philosophy first-hand.

Sunday night after getting the sad news from Ted Jr., we walked through the children's ministry center and found the lights on, the doors unlocked and things in general disorder. I found myself automatically thinking -- "I know Ted closed this place down before he left - there's no way Ted would have left it in this shape.". No, not this Sunday, you were already at your new assignment, Sheriff Ted. You are greatly missed by your Life Park Christian Family!

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