Just Another Day (Senior Blogger: Sharron M.)

     My apologies for not having written in sometime.  Life has been busy.  I was sick the first week of November with a head cold, and two weeks later (on the week of Thanksgiving) I caught the flue and pink eye.  I'm still regaining my health, so I appreciate your prayers.

    Recently, I was thinking how one day blends into another.  Sometimes, we get caught up in the mind frame that "today is just another day".

     With that mindset, we are hardly motivated to go above and beyond our usual.  But did you know that Jesus encouraged us to do exactly that?  It is not always easy going above and beyond, but Jesus told his disciples that if a Roman soldier compelled them to carry his pack one mile, they should carry it for two.  Now, why would He give that commandment?  Rome was the oppressor at that time, they inconvenienced others and weren't too considerate of those under them, often making them walk in the opposite direction that they were first headed in.  Jesus was not asking them to do an easy thing.

    He wanted his disciples to be humble, to serve others.  He Word says, "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;".

    In this wonderful season of Christmas, it is easy to get caught up in what we must do and have ready for the celebration of Christ's Birth.  Still, we can search for opportunities to go the "extra mile".  Bringing cookies to a ladies tea or get-together?  It might be easy getting that package of cookies from the store, but taking the extra time to bring homemade cookies that your children helped prepare, will build special memories and joyful spirits.

    In the flurry of buying and wrapping gifts, sending out Christmas cards, baking, cooking for the holidays, cleaning, running last minute errand, etc. we should take the opportunity to encourage and help others.  While you are shoveling your sidewalk off with snow, you might offer to do the same for the elderly neighbor down the street.  This is also a great witnessing opportunity to share the true meaning of the season with others: helping, serving, and glorifying the Lord by showing His love to others.