• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Amelia Rhodes

Author, Speaker, Community Connector

  • Home
  • Welcome
  • All Books
  • Contact
  • Free Resources
  • Speaking
  • Blog
You are here: Home / faith in action / Doing Life Together / Going the extra mile

Going the extra mile

February 7, 2013 by Amelia

 “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.”

Matthew 5:41

photo courtesy iwanbeijes sxc.hu
photo courtesy iwanbeijes sxc.hu

“The extra mile is never crowded”

Or so a church sign boasted. I confess, the glib statement kicked up some unholy thoughts. You see at the time I passed the sign, I happened to be running mile 20 of a 22 mile run. I was literally in the extra mile.

During my marathon training, every couple weeks my “long run” got longer. Those “extra” miles are pure torture. It’s like your body and your brain hit a wall.

On this particular day, everything from my waist down was numb. My legs were on autopilot and my brain was screaming “stop!”

The mental battle went like this:

“You know, the lights are off on that house. Those people are still cozied up in bed. That’s where you should be.”

No. This is worth it.

“Really? This much sacrifice? Four hours out of your morning? Most people never do this and they are perfectly happy.”

But it’s such an accomplishment. 

“So is sleeping in.”

I finally just stopped and started singing “la, la, la not listening.”

The thing about extra miles is just that. They’re extra. They aren’t required. They are above and beyond. And if you don’t go them, you’ll probably be quite happy just where you are.

But what if…

What if you could have a grand adventure? What if you could have the satisfaction of doing something you never thought you could do? What if that little extra could change your whole life? What if that little extra changed someone else’s life for the better? What if that little extra opened doors you never could have imagined? What if you just have to push through the pain to see what amazing things are waiting?

When Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 5 to go with people one extra mile, he was probably referring to a Roman law that required a citizen to carry a Roman soldier’s equipment and cloak for one mile if asked. Jesus told his followers, in a sense, don’t just do what’s required of you. Do a little extra. Serve a little more. Unselfishly give a bit more.

This unselfish manner of giving and serving others above and beyond what’s required of you is supposed to be a trait that distinguishes Jesus followers from others.

It’s a way to show love.

Be prepared – it’s far from easy.

It’s painful, exhausting, and uncomfortable. It will cost you your time, your energy, your resources. But your biggest obstacle will be your mind.

Sometimes we see the problems in the world and think there’s nothing we can do. But we can. One extra mile at a time. One phone call, one card, one cup of coffee, one e-mail, one meal at a time.

Do something unexpected for someone today.

Is there someone you’ve been thinking about calling? Maybe she’s on your mind for a reason. Call her right now. Don’t give yourself time to forget or talk yourself out of it.

Write a letter or send a card for no reason other than to let someone know they are important to you.

When you run errands, leave your phone in your purse or the car. Look at the people around you. Smile, say hi, make conversation with the cashier, really see the greeter and say Hi, not just over your shoulder as you walk by.

I think many people are hurting just below the surface, and are waiting for someone to show they care. Be that person.

I dare you to go the extra mile.

Related posts:

  1. Who's got your back?
  2. Doing Life Together – Jennifer
  3. Are you Hungry?
  4. What should you not believe?
  5. It's always a matter of life and death

Filed Under: Doing Life Together, faith in action Tagged With: community, encouragement, faith, friends, friendship

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brenda says

    February 7, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    Great post. Going the extra mile when it causes pain to us is a different story that going the extra mile when there is no pain. Thanks for the challenge!

    • amelia says

      February 8, 2013 at 8:34 am

      So very true Brenda!!

Primary Sidebar

Sign up for posts, giveaways, and updates. Get a free copy of the Family Prayer Activity Guide.

* indicates required
Email Format

Let’s connect!

Recent Posts

  • 6 Keys to Help You Thrive During Major Life Change
  • 7 Truths about Friendship During the Fledging Years {Giveaway!}
  • How to Pray When You’re Stressed Out {plus a giveaway!}
  • Love Vs. You
  • 4 Daily Spiritual Practices to Promote Good Mental Health

Archives

Tags

anxiety beat the blues book review cancer christmas Circle of Friends coffee break community dating dreams encouragement faith family friends friendship funny garden gardening giveaway kids kissing letters love love letters love story marriage million dollar moment motherhood moving ordinary parenting Pray A-Z prayer reviews romance running school speaking stories summer teen dating teen romance winter winter activities writing

Footer

Let’s Connect!

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest

Upcoming Events

Amelia is now scheduling events for 2020-21. Please use the contact form to connect with her about your event.

Encouragement on Pinterest

Copyright © 2023 · Author Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in