Go the extra mile

Happy Go the Extra Mile Day!

Yes, yet another “Special Day” designed by some organization to promote some product or idea. However, this is neater than, say, National Sandwich Day, which comes up Thursday.

Don’t worry if you’ve not heard of it. Extra Mile America, which appears to be the founding organization, is only seven years old, but it’s making inroads itself – going the extra mile, if you will.

For example, 557 American cities – from North Pole, Alaska, to Safety Harbor, Florida – have issued proclamations declaring Nov. 1 as Go the Extra Mile Day.

We all understand going the extra mile. Even in Jesus’ day, the idea was used. During the Sermon on the Mount, while encouraging a new approach to retaliation, he said:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile.” (Matthew 5:38-41, New Revised Standard Version)

Extra Mile America applies a broader look at the thought of an extra mile, as is revealed in its mission statement: “To empower people to go the extra mile in life … to create positive change in themselves, their families, their organizations, their communities and their world.”

See that? The suggestion is it’s even good to go the extra mile for yourself. And don’t worry. It’s not going against Scripture to take care of yourself, too. Only when you are in good shape can you do as much as possible to help others.

According to Shawn Anderson, the organization’s founder:

“Change is not something that just happens. It’s not something to just talk about. It’s something to create. If we want more out of life, change starts with the person in the mirror and a willingness to ‘go the extra mile.’”

So, today (as other days), be willing to do that little something extra that will improve you and your life, but also look around for what you can do to help others. Finally, this is a great day to pat other people on the back for the good work they do. Who knows but that they need encouragement today and you can help them continue their good work.

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Extra Mile America on the Web and on Facebook.