Blessed to be a Blessing

William How developed a special affection for common people. The son of a solicitor, he was born on this day in 1823 in northwestern England. As an Anglican minister, he served several churches, becoming known as the “poor man’s bishop” because of his compassion for the needy. He also was known as “the omnibus bishop,” because he rode buses, and lived and worked with his people.

While serving in Whittington (in central England), How wrote more than 50 hymns. He once said, “A good hymn should be like a good prayer—simple, real, earnest, and reverent.” In particular, he tried to write hymns that would be meaningful to people who lacked education.

One of his most memorable hymns was inspired by his realization about the debt that we all have to God. He wrote, “We give Thee but Thine own, whate’er the gift may be; all that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee.”

How realized that we merely are stewards of the bounties God has given us, and have a responsibility to give Him our first fruits. But we also should be moved by the needs of others: Captives need to be released, the lost need to find their way, and we need to “teach the way of life and peace.” Whatever we do, “we do it unto Thee.”

Today, remember that everything you have comes from God. Do not hoard the gifts He has given you, but be grateful. Show your gratitude by sharing with others. And remember that He has blessed you that you might be a blessing to others.