The Extra Mile

I love Christmas, and I am one of those who DOES NOT get offended with Christmas trees in September. Also, three wonderful traditions collide November first: The mistletoe goes up, Pandora is set permanently to Christmas Radio, and I wear a very loud jingle bell necklace and/or ring. Plus, everywhere I go I make it a point to say, "Merry Christmas." I heard it's okay to start saying that again  -  not that I ever stopped! In other words, I am all about spreading the cheer.

But when we go the extra mile and put a little something extra on the tip line, when we donate a gift card to the Florida Baptist Children's Home so they can redecorate their entire rec room, when we surprise our mail carrier with some baked cookies, when we allow someone ahead of us in line, when we sit for four hours with an elderly patient and discreetly clean them after they use the bathroom (all the aforementioned happened this past week courtesy of kind people I love), when we joyfully obey one of God's top commandments, "Love thy neighbor as thyself," we are promised in Deuteronomy 30: 8-9 that God "will outdo Himself in making things go well for you."

Going the extra mile blesses others, but it will always come back to bless us even more. 

PRAYER: Dear Lord, Show us how we can bless someone today by going the extra mile.  We know that as we love others, You will outdo Yourself in making things go well for us.  We need to be well in mind, soul, body, and spirit.  Thank you, in Jesus' name. Amen.