More Than Expected

If someone compels you to go one mile, go two miles with him.

Matthew 5:41 

 

We like it when we get a little something extra, don't we?  We like it when others go out of their way to do that little extra something to make our encounter special.  When my Bride and I go to Charleston, we always stop my the fudge shops because they go that extra mile by providing samples of their product, and we like that.  As a matter of fact, we will usually stop in and make a purchase because of that encounter.  Just as a little side note, which will get me in trouble later today, we stopped at the fudge shop to purchase some Turtles.  The counter person asked my Bride which Chocolate Turtle she wanted. Without missing a beat, her priceless response was "The BIGGEST one!"

 

Now, let me ask you something...stop groaning,....do YOU go that extra mile to make other people's encounters with you special?  I'm not suggesting you give out free fudge samples unless you want me to become your bestest friend!  But what about making sure their encounter with you is one they will find comfortable, even if the reason for the encounter is unpleasant? 

 

True, going the extra mile can be time consuming and take conscious effort, but so does anything that is worthwhile.  If someone needs to talk with you, do you begin looking at your watch or fidgeting or try to wrap up the conversation after a few minutes or do you take the time to listen to them, perhaps even offering guidance or wisdom?

 

Take time to go that extra mile and you will get to know people in a whole different way, and...they will get to know you as well.

Gandhi Got It Right!

Do not be conformed to this present world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may test and approve what is the will of God—what is good and well-pleasing and perfect.

Romans 12:2 

Mahatma Gandhi once said, "You my BE the change you wish to see in the world."   Have you looked at the world lately?  Chaos is becoming more and more prevalent.  It's as if the whole world has gone insane, and our leaders seem helpless to bring about change because they are too afraid of offending people who might just vote for them.  And our world seems to be on a downward spiral.  What are we to do? Is all lost?  Are we helpless?

Have you ever wanted to make a positive change that would have lasting effects?  Ever want to change the world...until you look at the world and that challenge seems to be such a daunting task that you just cannot fathom how you, being one person, can make a difference that will matter!

John Mayer performed a song called "Waiting for the World to Change."  The song itself is one I enjoy, but think what would happen if WE wait for the WORLD to change?  How long would we have to wait?

You see, Gandhi got it right!  WE must BE the change we wish to see in this world.  And we begin this process with the face in the mirror.  Our prayer should daily be, "Clean my heart and soul, Father, and help me SHOW You to others."  

Just as a point to ponder, a few weeks ago, someone (or group of someones) stocked one of the Department Substation's refrigerator with Gatorade as a way of just doing something nice and to tell the deputies "Thank You."  Was that a big effort?  To some it might be, to a group perhaps not.  The response to that effort was tremendous!  How do I know?  Because the deputies drank all the Gatorade and were so thankful for such a thoughtful act.

Consider this.....kind acts are not "one and done" acts.  Acts of kindness should be ongoing.  Eventually, people will ask you "why do you do that?" and you can tell them that you're weird like that. There are some who think this would be the moment to hammer the Gospel message, but I disagree.  We are called to plant seeds, not pound stone.

Small acts of kindness, have a huge impact!