Devotional 3-6-08

"Mr. Bill"
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. --1 Corinthians 12:27

Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. --Matthew 13:43

In the past few months, our congregation has lost several of its saints. One of those was Bill Ramsey, who, along with his brother Scott, did all kinds of jobs around our church. As director of Johnson Memorial Preschool, these two men have helped me on numerous occasions; fixing leaky faucets, putting up light fixtures and shelves, etc., etc. I once whined to Bill that I had broken a nail struggling to close the door in the chapel, and within the next half hour he put a new handle on that door.

Last school year, "Mr. Bill," as he soon became known, served as the crossing guard for our preschool. Every morning he ushered the children across the alley from the parking lot, and passed the time of day with their parents, grandparents, and babysitters. When he became ill I informed the preschool families of his condition and they were all devastated. When he passed away, I again notified them and received the following note from one of the young mothers:
We are so sad to hear that Mr. Ramsey passed away! He was a bright light that lit up our mornings!

Pastor Carol introduced me to these word of St. Francis of Assisi, "Preach the gospel. And if necessary, use words." Bill never stood in the pulpit preaching the gospel, but he preached it constantly through his actions. I challenge you to be the bright light that illuminates the lives of those you touch.

Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does. ~William James

Note: Image attached is of Mr. Bill and the Preschool staff.

Anita Farrell