Earlier this week, we were passing through Tamarack, a local landmark that pays tribute to local West Virginia artists. We were on our way to the Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, WV. We usually head east twice a year, but we missed our spring getaway as Janet was recovering from serious back surgery that she had on January 27th. She has been cleared to travel by car and this was our first major jaunt post op. It was good to get back to our favorite place on the planet, outside, of course, our own home in Carmel, IN.
We are always excited to see how Tamarack is doing and it is clear that they have been busy continuing to attract local artisans adding to their inventory of WV products and this trip was no disappointment. We always try to pick up something unusual while we are there – our way of supporting the arts and small businesses in the region.
We have bought painted slate pieces to display on our front porch during various times of year, wooden kitchen tools, such as spurtles (odd shaped tools for spreading preserves, etc.), and once we even bought a hand blown glass lamp. We never know what we will find when we stop there. Inventory is always changing and, sure enough, there was a new display this fall.
A new artisan was selling handmade brooms – sweeping brooms, whisk brooms and even some specialty brooms that came in all shapes and sizes. Now, as odd as it sounds, I’m kind of a broom guy… My grandfather was pretty skilled in his workshop and if something broke, we fixed it; most times better than when it was new. He could make broom handles on his lathe and had a shop that was unbelievable for a home on the south side of Chicago. I admired his skill and came to love handmade things.
When Janet and I moved our family to suburban Indianapolis in 1982, I worked downtown across from the Indiana State House. Every so often I would see a person drop off his blind father and help him set up a cart with his handmade brooms – primarily for sweeping floors and whisk brooms. I eventually learned that his name was Jim Richter and he would sit all day on a street corner or in front of a local post office. People would come by to purchase from him. Someone would eventually pick him up and drive him home. He was usually sold out. I also learned that Jim learned his craft at the Indianapolis School for the Blind when he was a young boy. That led to a career of self sufficiency that lasted more than 60 years – selling brooms throughout well travelled street corners around Indianapolis.
Throughout the early years, I bought several brooms from him. He was just a terrific guy. Talkative, always smiling, friendly… I never heard him say an unkind word about anyone, nor did I ever hear him complain about being blind. And I never saw anyone try to cheat him or even haggle price with him. He was a real standup fellow. He was a credit to our community and beloved by all.
Several years ago, in 2022, he passed away. There were articles in the papers and, clearly, he had a huge following in and around Indianapolis. By the way, the brooms that I have are still doing a fine job. But it’s getting to the point that they are wearing down – after all, they have been sweeping garage floors for 40 years or more. I’ve kind of had it in the back of my mind that if I came across a good handmade broom, I would buy it! Since Jim’s death – no luck… until last Sunday.
Now Janet and I usually walk the shopping areas twice at Tamarack – first to get the lay of the land and notice anything new. The second time we go through as we get ready to get back in our car… I made it through the first pass, but on that second trip by this beautiful broom with the genuine tree branch handle, and the braided bristles coming up the handle, I just had to buy it. I already have a place for it figured out in our garage. In the meantime, I have it safely stored on the backseat of the car – it won’t fit in the trunk. I almost want the floor to get dirty so I can try it out! And even though I consider it a real creative piece of art, as well as phenomenal craftsmanship, it’s a working tool.
I bought it in honor of Jim, the blind broom guy I bought from for years and years. And I plan on calling the fellow who made my new broom! I expect it to last another 40 years or more, until I need to get another one (if I’m still here)! Our verse for tonight comes from the story in the Bible of a man who was born blind. People were wondering who had sinned so that this man could not see.
In the Gospel of John, we are told the words of Jesus regarding the blind man. John tells us, in John 9:1-3, “As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.”
This evening’s verse resonates with me. Everything about the blind broom man I knew affirmed that he was a great ambassador for the kingdom of God. His every move and his demeanor for more than the 40 years I knew him showed me what steadfast faith and a phenomenal work effort could produce in the community. He was truly beloved by all. And he stayed at it for more than six decades! What a testimony… having learned his craft at the blind school that he attended as a young boy – mere steps from his favorite corner.
My encouragement this evening is that we all can put forth a similar effort and keep smiling when the going gets tough. Rather than sit at home, Jim was there in all kinds of weather without ever missing work – for decades. My prayer is that each of us has a similar opportunity to advance the kingdom in our own unique way. A way that shines the light of God in the world – especially when all some people can physically see is darkness. Jesus is the light of the world! Have a great day in the Lord, grace and peace…