Part 1

When God always goes the extra mile with his boundless grace and overflowing love for us, shouldn’t we as his children do the same? Ephesians 5:1-2 tells us to “‘Be imitators of God and live a life of love’ for then our lives are a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God”.

So, how can we do a little more than what is required of us at home, at work, at church?

“I long to accomplish a great and noble task, but it is my chief duty to accomplish small tasks as if they were great and noble.” - Helen Keller

At Home:

The smell of fresh laundry, a home cooked meal, a listening ear, laughter and sometimes tears, these make a home. As women, I think we set the tone of the place, which is wonderful. We can fill our homes with joy and gladness or with despondency and dread. This is a daily choice. 

Maybe as a young mother you are constantly dealing with loads of laundry, endless nappy changes and a room strewn with toys or maybe you are caring for your sick parents.  Remember that you do not do life on your own. I like to remember Isaiah 41:10 as “God is near, do not fear”. God’s grace abounds (2 Corinthians 9:8), is always sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9)and his mercies are new and tailor made just for you, just for today!( Lamentations 3:23).

When my sons were young,  I remember days when I failed miserably in being the wife and mother I so wanted to be. Waking up a few minutes earlier than the others to spend the first few minutes of the day with God has been a game changer for me. As we practice the presence of God, we become more loving, more creative and more stable.

This quote by C S Lewis explains God’s touch on us and our lives.

“God will make the feeblest and filthiest of us into a dazzling, radiant, immortal creature pulsating all through with such energy, joy, wisdom and love as we cannot now imagine.”

And so, we are able to reflect in our homes some of God’s boundless power, endless goodness and overflowing love. So whether you are dealing with a difficult roommate, loud flatmates, a family that needs you 24/7 or a quiet lonely space you call home, lean on God. As John says, plan your day and give God the eraser. Ask him to bless your steps and your stops.

Part 2

At Work:

Arriving a few minutes earlier, keeping our workplace neat and clean, and doing our work with kindness, neatness and accuracy are some of the ways in which we can go the extra mile. Cleaning the workbench in the office kitchen or helping someone when they have accidentally made a mess are ways to show we care. Whether in the boardroom, classroom, or hospital we can practice the presence of God.

Brother Lawrence writes ‘’During your meals or during any daily duty, lift your hearts up to Him, because even the little remembrance will please Him.

“In Him I live and move and have my being.” - Acts 17:28

From my Bible reading and study for the day, I choose one to carry with me through the day- just one verse. I save it on my phone or carry it in my bag on a card. This helps me look at life through the lens of God’s love and wisdom. It helps me deal with a hard situation with grace, help a slow learner with grace, patience and creativity and sprinkle the love of God in a myriad of ways around school.

“...whatever you do, do it for the glory of God” - 1 Corinthians 10:31b

Colossians 3:23 reminds us to work at what we do with all our heart, as to the Lord and not to men. 

I studied in a Christian school in India. Miss Moses, who was the principal of Bain School then, had this verse as a plaque in her room and she lived it out till the very end.

At ChurcH:

Going the extra mile at church does not start and stop on a Sunday. Through the week we can pray for pastors and others (Sunday School teachers, organists, intercessors, those serving tea and coffee) as they prepare to serve God on Sunday.

On Saturday, if you have small children, make sure they get a good night's sleep, decide on everyone’s clothes for church, and pack bags.

In our house, we had Sunday school bags for Mike and Meshu. They were much smaller than school bags, and had a children’s Bible, water, and some biscuits. Depending on where you live you may want to add a cardigan. By doing this, we made sure that church was as important, if not more, than regular school.

On Sunday, wake up early, and have a quick breakfast. (French toast or pancakes made ahead and reheated is good). Get to church a few minutes early to pray and enjoy the music. I love catching up with young mums or those who come by themselves. Taking a Bible, notepad, and pen to church helps us follow along as the Bible is read and to take notes during the sermon.

There are several opportunities to serve at church from polishing brass, trimming candles, counting money, arranging flowers and serving coffee. Talk to your pastor about it if you are not sure how you can help.

When we do what we can, God does what we cannot.

At home, at work, and at church, live out God’s will for you, keep thanking him, pray constantly, and be joyful in Christ. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Now surely that is going the extra mile!