Two Miles

Most of the time when I go to the grocery store and I ask where something is, they just point or give an aisle number.  At a little more upscale – and more expensive – store where I occasionally shop, they actually stop what they’re doing and take me to the item itself.  That’s sort of like Jesus’ comment in the Sermon on the Mount, “whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.”  (See Matthew chapters 5 to 7)  I like the little bit of extra service – and they really seem to be happy to do!

That’s gotten me to thinking about my own level of “customer service” to people I come in contact with, either strangers or those with whom I’m familiar.  Maybe especially those with whom I’m familiar.  Sometimes it’s easy to not work so hard.  I guess that’s the issue; thinking that going the extra mile is hard work!

Mary Baker Eddy, the Founder of the denomination to which I belong (Christian Science for those of you new to my blog) once said, “True prayer is not asking God for love; it is learning to love, and to include all mankind in one affection.”  (See No & Yes, page 39)  Learning to love AND including all mankind.  Isn’t that the ultimate customer service?

So really, it doesn’t matter who asks me to go a mile, or maybe even why.  It’s learning to love doing it, as a very natural expression of Him who loved me first (see 1 John 4:19).   What can it hurt to make sure we all get there together!

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.