Oswego Proud

Do for the one what you wish you could do for all. 

This phrase from Andy Stanley has served as a rudder for me the last several years.  I cannot feed the world but I can feed the next hungry person I meet.  I would love to have the time to listen to the problems people battle, but I will make time for the next long winded fellow with a dramatic life story.  I cannot comfort all who grieve after the death of a loved one, but I can send a quick not of comfort to the friend who just buried his parents.  Do for the one what you wish you could do for all. 

I saw this principle in action last week in Oswego.  I do not know the Lederman family.  My son has friends who played sports with him and in a town like Oswego everyone knows somebody who knows somebody, but I do not know them.  Our family still wanted to do something.  Yet what I have learned in 15 years of being a pastor is there this: sometimes there are just no words.  When we do not know what to say it is best to find something to do that shows encouragement.

Wednesday night our family went to Jersey Mike’s in Oswego.  That evening they donated a dollar from every sub purchased to the Lederman family.  When we got there the line was to the door and people said it had been like that all day.  The manager actually apologized for the wait.  While their subs are pretty good, the line was not for the roast beef.  Jersey Mike’s, Culvers and many other businesses were willing to do for one, the Lederman family, what they wish they could do for all- everyone who grieves the tragic loss of a child or loved one.  From what I have read and what I have seen, this has made a difference.  Find a need, meet it and the ripple effect of faith will be immeasurable. 

There will always be the excuse I heard growing up, “If I do it for you I will have to do it for everyone.”  Never let that that pessimistic attitude serve as an excuse not bless the next person you meet carrying a burden.  Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.  Sometimes we will be the one in need.  Other times we will be the one moved to action.  In either situation we will be blessed if we do for one what we wish we could do for everyone.    

Our community faces challenages, make no mistake.  Read the pages of this publication and it might be cause for worry.  But the compassion I have seen poured out in the last few weeks is stronger than any school board struggles, any financail short fall or foreclouser notice next door.  Oswego should be proud.       

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Geoffrey Mitchell is the Pastor of Big Life Community Church, a new congregation in Oswego.  Check them out at biglifecc.org.