It has been another long, rough winter here in the mountains of my home. High winds, heavy snows, arctic cold, and drenching rains have all hit us, taking their toll on people, power lines, and even the trees around here. And today as I looked at the broken branches littering my daughter’s yard it brought back memories from another rough winter several years ago.

A foot of snow had fallen and was rapidly melting. The runoff from the hills had swollen the rivers, filled the ditches and formed puddles in the road. In addition to this broken and fallen tree limbs were everywhere. I was driving home and suddenly saw one of these limbs had broken off a tree overhanging the road and fallen across it. It was big enough to wreck my car if I didn’t stop in time so I stomped on the brakes and hit my emergency flashers. Thankfully there were no other cars there yet, but I knew that it would only be a matter of time before one crashed into that limb maybe causing an injury or even a death.

I quickly got out of my car and tried to pull the limb to the side of the road. It was a lot heavier than I thought it would be but with a little prayer and a lot of grunting and groaning I started to move it. Inch by inch I pulled it off of the road. When it was finally safely to the side I stood up and smiled. Just as I did, though, a little red car raced around the curve, hit a pool of water in the road and splashed my pants. I shook my head and laughed at the absurdity of it all.

Sometimes we all do good things in this life only to get splashed with dirty water for our trouble. When this happens just remember that the real reason you do good is because of the love inside of you. The real reason you do good is because you are good. Do all the good you can then, everywhere you can, and every chance you can. Do good and make the God who watches over you, walks beside you, and lives within you smile.