Grove Sale Video (Click on black box)

“It’s never crowded along the extra mile.”~ Wayne Dyer

The extra mile is defined as acts of service for others that go beyond what is required or expected. It is used loosely as well to cover the whole idea of going beyond what is required or expected. Wikipedia gives its origin to the Bible when Jesus said in his Sermon on the Mount, “Whoever forces you to go one mile; go with him two.”

I am grateful to be a part of a church that lives this philosophy. Here at Evergreen Lutheran Church people are active in their service to the community and the world. One example of this takes place the first week of August. For 23 years members work together in the Grove Sale, a community outreach project benefiting those in the mountain communities in need. Members donate their second hand treasures and volunteer all week long to sort, price, arrange and organize goods and then on Saturday, cashier, monitor and assist the shoppers. Since 1992 our church has given all the proceeds from the sale to the organizations in our area that support people in need. This amount has totaled $450,000. This is one example going the extra mile.

Each one of us has opportunities to go the extra mile in our own life. Whether it is for family, friends or in service to the community there is always a need. The feeling this brings is fulfilling and gratifying.

In this image only a few of the one hundred volunteers are depicted. Each and every person who helped this week was appreciated and felt gratified to be a part of this wonderful event. Each day a lovely meal was served at noon for the hungry volunteers and these talented cooks had just as much fun as anyone while doing their part to go the extra mile. I take issue with Mr. Dyer’s quote as it was crowded this week along the extra mile.

Peace.