I know we are all tired of the rain. I asked God; why so much rain, this year? He remained quiet. Of course, He knows, what He is doing. And I might as well, accept it. So, I slipped out, to one of my favorite places, to pray and watch the continuing drizzle.

My front porch is such a lovely place, now. Many of you might remember. I got new banisters and door steps, a few months, ago. I was thrilled. Now, they have been painted, along with the porch itself. Plus, the back porch is freshly painted, too. This had been my desire, for years. I had even offered someone twenty-five dollars an hour, to paint it. Sounded good to me. But, no one wanted the job.

I spray painted the back porch a bit, one year. Unfortunately, that didn’t help much. So, when someone asked me what I wanted, for one of my special days; I said, “My porches painted.”

Then, someone took on the job, voluntarily. She tackled the job, with lots of energy and was making a lot of progress. That is, until her mother, had an automobile accident and needed her. Of course, that put a hold, on the porch painting. Her mother’s health was, much more important. Now, thankfully, she is about well.

This seemingly impossible job is finished, at last! I enjoy it every minute, I can! Just finding pleasure in the beauty of the outdoors. I am so thankful; that it is finally completed. Pot plants, Mother’s Day gifts and other gifts add to the scene. A wrought iron table and chairs, wind chimes and an electric fountain, are gifts from other years.

I did lose my husband. But, God has given me a wonderful family. They watch out for me, doing as much for me; as they have time, to do. I’m never alone; on any of my special days. They give me nice gifts and their presence makes me happy.

The thing that makes my painted porches, so nice is this. A professional painter, would have done a good job, I’m sure. But, my daughter-in-love is pretty close to being professional. She has remodeled several homes, with beautiful results. What impresses me so much though, is she went, the extra mile. She did the work; as if she was doing it, for herself. No sloppy, let’s just get through work, here. No, it is done perfectly. And I am so grateful, for her loving work. She did her best work, voluntarily. I didn’t bribe her or pay her any wages. (Smile) She just loved enough.

What about us? What kind of work; do we do, for our Savior?

Do we just, get the job done? Just slosh the paint on, haphazardly? Or do we go the second mile and do our very best work? Do we sincerely strive to please our precious Jesus? He pours out blessings on us every day! This should cause us, to love Him enough; to do anything for Him!

And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. (or two.)

Matthew 5:41