“Do all the good you can, by all the means 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” – John Wesley

I saw this quote at the LIFT Study group my friend asked me to join. This was the first time I had been regularly at church in almost 11 years. Eleven years ago my husband, who has Parkinson’s, fell twice – both times caused traumatic brain injury. Overnight I went from an active and involved St. Luke’s member to a full time caregiver.

In the intervening years, St. Luke’s Caring Ministries, Communications and Media have kept me connected to the church, which is so important for those that are home bound for whatever reason. Every time we would join you in worship over TV or now Livestream, I would tear up during the unison responses. I knew it was because I missed and longed to be with my Christian community in worship, fellowship and service.  After seeing Wesley’s quote, I began to think and feel that although my caregiving was important, I wanted and needed to feel I was making a difference in the world and lives around me. So I began to pray that God would use me to make a difference for Him. Suddenly I began seeing or hearing about service opportunities that matched the times I had available. In particular, I love working at the Welcome desk. I am awed each day I work there by all the many different ways in which St. Lukes is making a difference in so many lives and in our community.  And I am different too.  I have discovered that service, doing good, is one of the “major food groups” for feeding the Spirit within us. After serving, when I return home to my caregiving responsibilities I feel the fruits of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control – have grown in me so I am a better caregiver and person.