GOOD DEEDS

Members of our Junior High Sunday School class stood next to the W&OD bike trail for what seemed like hours as bikers and runners passed by. Hardly anyone even glanced at us as we offered free water to them. Occasionally, we received a polite, "No thanks, I have my own." And when a person would accept our offer and take a cup, I could tell they thought of us as "little kids." We were standing out on a chilly fall morning trying to serve others by offering water to people exercising on the bike trail. Shouldn't they appreciate our efforts to perform a good deed?

When Jesus sacrificed himself for our sins, He knew He was doing a good deed. But even He, for a moment, doubted his God, his Father. He asked why he was being asked to do this act. I don't think Jesus knew at that time how many people appreciated what he did, and how many future generations would be affected by His good deed. (I know I appreciate his sacrifice and I hope he knows that.) I think I realize now that good deeds aren't supposed to be performed for the rewards we might receive from doing them. You do good deeds for other people without expecting anything in return. Even if the runners and bikers on the trail didn't take the water we offered, maybe they were still thankful. And even if they weren't, I'm glad we tried.

— Carly Miks, age 13

Courtesy of The Church of the Good Shepherd United Methodist