There is a passage in the Bible, Matthew 5:41 that encourages us to go the extra mile with someone if they ask us to go one mile. However, it seems that there are probably very few that will do it. If I am being honest, in certain circumstances, I am hesitant to be able to go that extra mile.
Maybe it is a day that you have no more energy after going that first mile that you were asked to go on. So, to go two miles…no way!
A couple of weeks ago I was watching a show about the US Army’s RECON unit. They had to go through some grueling training. I almost felt “out of shape” just watching it. The first part of the show showed them treading water for 45 minutes with their full normal military clothing. Then, they had to pass a 2, 5, & 10 pound weight around a circle twice, still while treading water. If dropped, they would start over. Needless to say, people were going to the sides, done with the training and their hopes. After that they had to swim along the bottom of the deep end for about 30 feet without coming up for air! Some didn’t make it there either. All this was just the first part of their entire training…pretty grueling! That brings us to this week’s quote…
It's never crowded along the extra mile. ~ Wayne Dyer
To go the extra mile takes a certain type of person. Only a small percentage is going to continue. That “extra mile” may not entail running or something physical. It may require something totally different. Maybe being nice to someone that doesn’t deserve it. Maybe being understanding with someone. Who knows what area it is, but in a world full of “entitled” people, this quote holds very true.
Are you one of the ones who will go the extra mile or will you quit before then? Only a few of you will be in the extra mile on any given day…remember you probably won’t have a lot of company with you!
When is a good time for prayer? Always. The question could be twisted up a bit to ask "When isn't a good time for prayer?" Prayer is needed all the time. That prayer could be of praise, thanksgiving, or petition. One or more of those could be said at any given time. It doesn't matter if it is about your life, job, health, or family. Something good is happening. Something to be thankful for is happening. Something needed is happening.
On Thursday, May 6th many people around the country will take part in the observance of the National Day of Prayer. This years theme is "For Such a Time as This" and the scripture that is being used is from Nahum 1:7, "The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in Him".
Locally, the Thomas County Ministerial Association will hold their annual observance on the lawn of the Thomas County Courthouse, from 12:15-12:45. We are trying to respect people's time and, at the same time, would like to have as many people as possible take part in this activity.
The National Day of Prayer Task Force has set up seven areas to be praying about seven days a week: 1) government, 2) military, 3) media, 4) business, 5) education, 6) church, and 7) family. These areas pretty much sum up the areas most would think about that needs to be prayed over.
Our government is always in need of prayer. Democrat or Republican, it doesn't matter who the person in office is, they need prayers. Local or national, each section of the government has to make decisions that impact all of us, in one way or another. Pray for those in office.
Our military is in danger somewhere at all times. Right now we may focus on the Middle East, but something could happen right here in our own country. You may have family or friends in the military that are serving short or long commitments. As I am reminded of our country's freedom, I not only appreciate those who serve, but want to pray for them as well.
The media does a lot to make sure that the news is covered. It is not the easiest to keep people informed. The media does a lot to cover local and national news. Plus, there are a lot of people that work behind the scenes to help make the news, in any form, get to you.
Economy. Such a buzzword these days. The economy has taken a plunge and is trying to grasp at about anything to get back up. One positive point is that agriculture hasn't been too affected by this downturn. That is good news for us who live in an agricultural area. However, businesses themselves can come in and leave if we aren't able to support them. Let's try to support local when we can. This will help our own economy.
Kansas is not in great shape in its education arena. Some of the reason has to do with the business and economy part of the state. Locally, it has been hit hard. Loss of state aid has caused a loss of jobs and a loss of transportation within our school system. Trying to grasp at various areas of which to save, many districts have cut raises, as well. This also has had an effect on the retired educators as well. Our local schools and administrators are needing your prayers on a constant basis to be able to have a quality education for our youth.
Churches are struggling as well. The smaller the church, the more difficult is it. Whether it is from an economic standpoint or a spiritual one, there is always an obstacle. Pray for your church, its leaders, and its mission.
Family has changed over the years. Unfortunately, the busier people get, the more difficult it becomes on their marriages and family. Hence, I believe, it takes even more work than it used to take to have a good marriage and a strong family. Kids are busy so evening meals are seldom. Parents are working odd hours, so their not home with their kids. Even when the family is at home, are they doing much together in quality time or are media devices (TV, cell phone, computer) taking precedence? Let's pray that a new trend will emerge where family time is a priority.
Be praying. Are you in a "time of trouble"? Be praying. Keep these areas in mind as you look to be taking praises and petitions to God over the next year because "such a time as this" that we need prayer!
Everyone has their own leadership style, from no leadership abilities to an extreme I can't even describe. Most will meet in the middle somewhere. The view of a leader usually takes us back to elementary school when we think of the person who was the "line leader". Where were they at...the front. Where was the teacher at making sure that all their students were in line and ready to go...at the front. Where is the table of the leaders at a banquet...at the front.
The front is where we normally think of the position of leaders. However, there can only be one front. Just like there can only be one "first place", all others are non-winners. If you are competing for the front spot you may be disappointed. Sometimes leaders are often viewed as a hero, when they have done something significant. That brings us to this week's quote...
It doesn't take a hero to order men into battle. It takes a hero to be one of those men who goes into battle.
~ General Norman Schwarzkopf
It could be very easy to lead from the porch. To dictate one's landscaping project, and then to take all the credit for it when an award came. It is easy to not lift a finger, but it is much more difficult to actually get into the project and work.
I have developed a "lead by example" leadership style. If I am going to expect others to do something, then I had better do it myself. If I was going to suggest something to someone, I had better be doing that same thing or something comparable. I also listen very similarly. If someone were to suggest for me to do something, I look to see how they are coming at it, by example or by dictating? I think the first is much more effective.
So, the next time you are thinking of sending someone into battle, make sure that you are right there beside them and not on the porch!
