...And Then Do a Little Bit More

While in college in 1957, her boyfriend had told her, "Quit college and marry me, or good-bye." So Kathleen Ehlert quit college, married her boyfriend, and became Mrs. Roger Wollin. After rearing several children, she went back to school to get her degree. But, once again, "life happened"—her husband became ill and she again had to drop out of college. She took care of her husband until, after 45 years of marriage, he died in May 2003. Fifteen months later, she suffered a stroke.

All this time, she felt some disappointment about never having graduated from college; she considered a portion of her life unfinished. Then, God granted her a gift—the opportunity to finish what she had begun 50 years earlier.

As Mrs. Wollin continued with her address, it was her advice about success that struck a chord with me: "I was a success at Living University, not because I’m this great student… I was a success because I did what I was asked. When they said, ’post an answer to a question and you’ll get 5 points,’ I posted an answer; and when they said, ’do a book report,’ I read the book, I did a book report—maybe not the best book report, as [instructor and LU President] Dr. Germano can vouch, and some of my essays weren’t the greatest—but I always did what I was asked to do. In some of the classes you could do extra credit, and so I tried to do extra credit when I could; and I found out: that’s the secret to success: Do what you’re supposed to do, and then do a little bit more."

Her advice reminded me of Christ’s words in the gospel of Luke. "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, ’We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do’" (Luke 17:10). We naturally expect people to do what is commanded or required, because it is, well, "required." But the servant who does more than is required—that servant merits special recognition! In her quest to complete her lifelong dream, this "71 year old widow from Milwaukee" had discovered a vital secret to success!

The Bible says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might" (Ecclesiastes 9:10). As a Living University student, Kathleen Wollin put all her effort into her tasks, going above and beyond whenever possible. And cream always rises to the top! Going above and beyond makes people stand up and take notice. Scripture states, "Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men" (Proverbs 22:29).

Mrs. Wollin may be embarrassed to read this, but her words are worth remembering. Are we hard-working—not only ready to give what is required, but willing to give more? Profitable servants do more than give masters their due; they provide a return on their investment! In the parable of the talents, a reprimand went to the servant who hid his talent in the ground. The servants who multiplied their master’s investment were commended. "Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things" (Matthew 25:23).

As Mrs. Wollin stood before the Living University faculty and staff, her fellow graduates, students, and guests at the commencement ceremony, this 71-year-old widow was also standing before the King of kings. He is looking for profitable servants such as she: those who are willing to "do what you’re supposed to do, and then do a little bit more."

Living University made a difference to Kathleen Wollin, and she made a difference to Living University. Fall Semester registration at Living University is now underway, with classes beginning on August 15. Application for enrollment can be made online at www.livinguniv.com.