This is a motto text for every Christian. Have you done what you could, what God gave you scope, power, and opportunity to do? You wander round old graveyards, and you often see tombstones from years ago and there someone has chosen this for someone’s epitaph: ‘She [or he] did what she could.’ And that is so very wonderful for an epitaph. What about us? You look back across life, what have you done for him? Maybe this is your situation: you remember when you were a student and were surrounded by people of your own age; you remember how easily you could talk to each other, and you look back on that and say, ‘If only I'd known that those three years would be over and done in no time, and I never really witnessed to all those people. I was good friends with many of them who were not Christians. I didn't say anything. My opportunity, my great opportunity passed, and I have moments of deep regret.’ I think everyone of us had some similar opportunity, and we let it pass by. In a particular office, in a particular workplace, among certain family members, among certain friends: we only had that opportunity for a season, and we let it go. Mary of Bethany was someone who took the opportunity; the disciples didn't. If that is our experience, let us make up for it. ‘I didn't really stand for the Lord then; I must do it now. I must teach Sunday school, I must visit in the community, I must witness where the Lord has set me. I must pray. I will drive my car and pick up the children. I will be forward.’ Mary didn't need to be asked; the Lord didn't tell her to do what she did. The disciples didn't tell her. As far as we can see, nobody suggested it to it to her. She did it. ‘I'm going to be like that. I am going to think out my duties, my opportunities, what I should be doing for the Lord, and I will do it before anybody asks me. I will offer myself.’