John Edwin “Johnny” Tilley 1950-2015

Before my sons were in school there was rarely a meal with them where a simple, two-word question was not asked Robin and I came to expect it and would even find ourselves disappointed if the mealtime conflict never transpired

The routine was pretty much the same They would mow through any meat and starch on their plate leaving a lonely fruit or vegetable staring back at them

“Jacob, eat your corn! Noah, eat your green beans! Elijah, eat your broccoli!”

Their bewildered, tortured expression was accompanied by the same question: “How much?”

Often times, my answer was “All of it!” which would elicit a Luke Skywalkeresque exclamation (upon learning Darth Vader was his father): “NOOOOOOO!” You would think I had just asked them to give away their Legos!

I suppose I conditioned them to that response As toddlers we were practically begging them to eat healthy, and in an effort to get them to eat SOMETHING, we allowed them to negotiate And years later the negotiations continued. Sometimes Dad was strong – other times, Dad craved peace and quiet…and gave in.

Before you make fun of me, ridicule me, or instruct me in the fine art of dinner table parenting, allow me to make a correlation

He’s often identified as the “Rich Young Man” or the “Rich Young Ruler” and many a sermon has been preached, using this ‘poor’ guy as an example, on the dangers of wealth. But before Jesus makes that point I realize how much this young man and I have in common.

The young man’s question was: “What good thing must I do to inherit eternal life?” But his real question is, “What is the least I have to do to make the cut? Tell me how to pass the class I don’t want an “A,” I don’t want a “B” heck, I don’t even really NEED a “C”! I just need to PASS

Jesus, patiently, tells him to keep the commandments to which the rich man asks, “Which ones?” I mean, surely Jesus didn’t mean ALL of them, did He? Would 70% of them be enough? Would He settle for 60%?

In two words, Jesus…..”HOW MUCH?”

God gave His very best for me – He gave His son. His one and only son. He emptied Heaven – left it vacant and bankrupt in an effort to express His love for me But instead of straining to give God my all – my very best – I find myself negotiating with the Creator in order to do the absolute minimum When we ask God, “How much?” His reply will always be the same “All of it ”

Give your very best today and tomorrow and the next day

John Edwin “Johnny” Tilley, 65, of Howe, Texas died peacefully Tuesday, July 21, 2015 surrounded by his family at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas A memorial service was held 4:00 pm, Friday, July 24 at First Baptist Church in Tom Bean, Texas which was followed by a potluck supper Family visitation were held immediately preceding the service at 3:00 pm In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Tom Bean Food Pantry, PO Box 679, Tom Bean, TX 75489 where Johnny was a volunteer.

Tilley was born April 19, 1950 in Bowie, Texas to John Franklin Tilley and Patsy Ruth Tilley He was a 1969 graduate of Blue Ridge High School He married Debra Jean Ruffin on August 30, 1975 in Howe, and they were preparing to celebrate their 40th anniversary with a long-anticipated Alaskan cruise A physical man, Johnny loved to work with his hands, building, fixing, tinkering He enjoyed collecting rare coins and bills, playing dominoes and card games, and cracking jokes. Generous to a fault, he quietly shared all he had and loved spoiling his children and grandchildren

Johnny is survived by his wife, Debra; his children, John Michael Tilley and Kimberly L Tilley; his grandchildren, John Reagan Tilley, James M Tilley, Henry B Tilley and Julia K Tilley; brother, Jerry R Tilley; many nieces and nephews; and a host of loving relatives and friends. His son Jeremy W Tilley precedes him in death