I wrote this article after my Grandfather passed away. I intended to send it to the editor of the Newnan Times Herald, but it ended up going way past the original 300 word limit.
On Tuesday, November 25, my grandfather, Thomas Edward Norton, finally arrived at the destination where his heart has been for the last 60 years. His loss has left a tremendous void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, especially for his wife of 59 years, my grandmother. We know that his life in the Kingdom of God continues today in part because he raised us in our common faith and lived a life devoted to that Kingdom. Our bittersweet sadness is not without hope. We believe that we will be with him again, but we hurt nonetheless because we have lost such a passionate teacher, mentor and role model.
Over the last months of his life, I have thought a great deal about how much my grandfather has shaped who I am and what lessons he has imparted to those of us who were fortunate enough to know him. I want to share a few that have had a meaningful impact in my life and serve to illustrate what a unique, amazing man he is.
First, my grandfather taught me to take pleasure in the happiness of others. From his example, I began to understand that having a servant’s heart is simple and blessed if you can take joy in the serving. He showed unfailing devotion to my grandmother and delighted in meeting her needs. He cherished her and filled her life with song and laughter simply because he delighted in her happiness. His love for the happiness of others extended into the lives of all those around him. No matter the circumstances, I always felt uplifted and glad after talking to him because he paid such close attention to the details of my life, and I took comfort in the knowledge that he would be praying for me about even those small things every day.
My grandfather demonstrated the meaning of Colossians 3:12 – “therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Of all his lessons, the most difficult seem to be living a life of humility and patience as he did. My life is a rush of constant deadlines, frustrations and the almost constant desire to take the most convenient path; yet when I stop to reflect on his life, I appreciate and envy that he never bowed to those pressures or failed to slow down to take care of what was truly important to him. No matter the situation, he always stood by his convictions never wavering in his faith, humility or honesty.
With a tenth grade education, my grandfather, who valued knowledge and constantly strove to learn and grow, became a self-taught engineer. He applied that same intellectual vigor to studying and understanding the Bible so that according to 1 Peter 3:15, he would “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope you have.” He instilled in me a passion for the pursuit of wisdom especially the pursuit of the knowledge of God. Over the years, we had many long and challenging discussions about our faith – all of which left me with a better understanding of what I believed. One of our last conversations was about our ultimate destination as citizens of the Kingdom of God. Although we rarely agreed on every theological point, we both rejoiced in the hope of the glory of God; and we will be united again someday in our service of the resurrected King.
Until that day, I resolve to live a life that honors and emulates my grandfather’s lessons.
Daniel Norton
Daniel family
