Monday; July 13

          A few days ago, we lost a good guy.  On July 3 Hughes County (South Dakota) Sheriff’s Office Chief Deputy Lee Weber drowned while trying to save his son who had fallen from a boat.  I didn’t know Lee very well and never had the opportunity to work with him, but I have talked to several people who knew Lee and I have heard nothing but positive from them.  He was a good friend, he was a great co-worker, he was just an all-around good guy.  The fact that he jumped in the water to save his son might have been considered an act of heroism, but it was not surprising to those who knew him.  He was the kind of guy who had volunteered to protect his country and had signed up to serve his community – that’s just who he was.
          As I think about Lee several things come to mind, but one that really stuck out to me was how his effort was not in vain.  You see, success is not measured by outcome – it is a victory in and of itself.  Too often, we measure the value of good works by their result, but their true standard is the fact that someone took an interest in doing something good and did it!  Heroes don’t always win the battle – what makes them heroes is their commitment to try.
          Folks, let’s not get overwhelmed by the results of what we do, let’s just do them!  Let’s do good deeds and trust that God will use our efforts to His glory.  Let’s never forget the New Testament’s words of encouragement, “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.” (II Thessalonians 3:13). 
          To those of you who knew Lee personally, you are in our thoughts and prayers.  He may not have been with us for as long as you would have liked, but I imagine the legacy he left you will be with you for a long time to come.
          Think About It!

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