We have a slate carving in our church entry that is engraved with words attributed to John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. While it is unclear who actually said the words, they are known to be John Wesley’s rule by which he lived his life.

"Do all the good you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can as long as ever you can."

This piece of art has now been turned into some lovely cards that can be purchased as one way of helping to fund our Dignity Center, our ministry to transient and homeless individuals. I have one of the cards sitting on my desk and my eyes fall upon it with regularity. I hadn’t realized how often I must have been looking at it until -like a song stuck in your head- I noticed I was saying it over and over, like a mantra. When I think of all the inane songs that sometimes keep banging away in my brain, I am thankful for these words cycling around. As I walk the halls of the church, preparing this space and that for worship this week and Holy Week to follow….do all the good I can. Driving home tonight in rush hour traffic, inching my way onto the entrance ramp amid cranky drivers….in all the ways I can. Meeting a friend for coffee after I leave the office….in all the places I can. Making dinner, driving to a sporting event, spending time with my son and my husband…..to all the people I can. Going to sleep and awaking again in the morning…..as long as ever I can.

I should count my blessings, I suppose. These words- instead of something, say, like those in "Dancing Queen" or "It’s a Small World" which only tend to make you want to scream, might actually move me into a state of grace, into loving action. I can hope…….and pray.