The Best Life

People who possess a spirit of excellence are people who travel the second mile; they are the people who put in that extra effort and expect nothing from it.

There’s a traffic jam on the freeway of the extra mile because the average exit after the first mile and only a few cars travel extra mile.

In Genesis chapter 24 we read the amazing story of Rebekah – whose spirit of excellence positioned her to be a part of the genealogy of Jesus.

When Abraham sent a servant to find a suitable wife for his son there was a standout quality that the servant looked for among all the women – excellence.

Rebekah was a young girl who had traveled to a well to collect water for her family, when asked by the servant for a drink, she offered to collect water for his camels also.

I was once heard someone describe this story with amazing detail – there were 10 camels, they’ve just come 500 miles, they each hold 40 gallons, that’s a total of 400 gallons of water and Rebekah’s probably not older than 16.

There is only a well, no hose or pump, so Rebekah has to draw water using a pitcher or bucket.  Going on the basis that her pitcher holds five gallons, water weighs seven pounds per gallon, which makes it 35 pounds she has to pick up each time.

At that rate of consumption that’s 80 draws from the well, which works out to be four hours, minimum, if she doesn’t take a break.

Essentially Rebekah said to this servant, “I’m going to inconvenience myself so I can make a difference in your life.”

Rebekah didn’t have to go that extra mile and feed his camels but she did.  It was her extra effort that changed her life.  People who live an average life only give what’s expected of them and nothing else.

When you die you should be able to look back and say, “thank God I gave more than I received.”  I heard it said that you’ll only be remembered for two things, the problems you solved and the problems you caused.

As far as Rebekah knew all she was going to get that night was a sore back and to be home late for dinner. She didn’t know that on those camels was gold, silver and linen that was a tribute to her from a wealthy father who was looking for a bride for his elect son.

Go the second mile.  That little extra effort could be the step that turns you to the fulfillment of your dream.