Religion: A Pastor Ponders

Do what you can

By Pastor William Jenkins

February 1, 2007

In Mark’s gospel Jesus gives this tribute to a certain woman,
“She has done what she could” (14:8).

There is a fable about a prince who went walking in his garden. He came to the peach tree and said, “What are you doing for me?” The peach tree answered, “In the spring I give my blossoms and fill the air with fragrance, and on my boughs hang delicious fruit to be gathered for your enjoyment.” “Well done,” said the prince.

Further along he encountered a great chestnut tree. He asked the chestnut, “What are you doing here in my garden?” The chestnut replied, “I am making nests for birds and shelter for cattle with my leaves and spreading branches.” “Well done,” said the prince. “Carry on.”

Then he went into the meadow and asked the grass what it was doing. “We are giving up our lives for the sheep and cattle that they might be nourished.” “You are providing a noble service,” said the prince.

Further along he spotted a tiny daisy swaying in the breeze and asked what it was doing. The daisy said, “Nothing. I do nothing. I cannot make fruit, provide a nesting place for birds or shelter for cattle; I cannot give food for the sheep and the cows. All I can do is be the best little daisy I can be.” The prince bent down and kissed the daisy and said, “There is no better service than that.”

Do what you can - where you are - with what you have.

League City United Methodist Church is located at 1411 Main Street (FM 518), one block east of Interstate 45. For information, call the church offices at 281-332-1557 or visit the website at

HYPERLINK - http://www.lcumc.org