Go the extra mile

A spiritual comment and prayer to start the day with Rev Carolyn Skinner.

Good morning.

My friend was telling me recently about how a routine walk in the park turned into a dramatic and memorable experience.

She was taking her two-year-old son for a walk, with a friend and her child. As they came to play pooh sticks and her son dropped the stick, his hat fell into the river. His favourite, Paw Patrol hat! As they watched it start to drift my friend decided to wade in. Whilst it wasn’t too deep it did nearly reach her waist. The hat kept drifting, her son was crying, the other child by this point was also crying, and a passer-by was telling her the best way to get the hat! Eventually she reached it, drenched, accompanied by crying children, and feeling a little conspicuous!

As a mother, she naturally went to more lengths than perhaps a passer-by would to rescue a simple hat. Due to her love for her son, she was prepared to get wet, be stared at, look foolish.

I sometimes wonder what lengths I would go to in order to show love for others. It’s easier of course for those who are our nearest and dearest. But would I really be willing to inconvenience myself, make myself look foolish to show love to anyone?

The Bible teaches in 1 John 4 that “we love because God first loved us.” My love for others becomes easier the more I understand God’s love for me.

Loving God, thank you for your limitless love. May I walk in it more this day, and be willing to go the extra mile to show that love to others.

Amen