Linda discovered that some of the kids at the school didn't have a hat or frequently lose theirs, so she met a need, using a talent that she had.
You may be surprised to learn that there is an entire webpage dedicated to debating whether John Wesley is the originator of this quote. (1) One individual reacted to all the comments on the matter by saying, “While you all quibble about who said it, God bless the people who have lived by it for years.” (2) I say amen! Whether or not John Wesley wrote this phrase, it still has a lovely guiding principle. It simply means that actions matter. Doing good matters!
In April I was visiting with Linda, a member of the Tomahawk Church in northern Wisconsin. During our discussion, I asked her what she was doing now that she was retired. She said with a big smile that she likes to knit hats for the school kids, so I asked to see some of her work. She walked into the living room and opened four boxes that were on the floor. In front of me was displayed a wide variety of winter hats for boys and girls. Each hat looks unique and fun, and is customized with a pin, a patch or a button. When Linda finishes knitting the hats, a couple of her church friends help by taking the hats to nearby elementary schools.
Linda discovered that some of the kids at the school didn't have a hat or frequently lose theirs, so she met a need, using a talent that she had. So far, she has given out 100 hats and she has more to give out next year. When I found out what Linda and her friends were doing, I couldn't stop thinking about what John Wesley had said, “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can …”
Wasn’t John Wesley only echoing the words of the Apostle Paul when he said, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people …” Galatians 6:9–10
This is just what Linda and so many other members of God's family are doing: making a difference by doing good. What would happen if more of us found ways to do good in our community and in our churches? What a difference we would make if we looked for opportunities to do good for the people around us!
Bill Ochs is the planned giving and trust director for the Wisconsin Conference.
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