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Cream of the Crop

Cream of the Crop

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Cream of the Crop--men at army reunionThe men in this group are some of the finest I know. They are the cream of the crop.

All served in the army as members of A Company, 1st of the 501st. Many suffer health issues as a result of their service. Not all remain with us.

Cream of the crop means the best.

Just as cream is the richest part of milk and rises to the top, these men rose to the challenge to serve when called. When they gather, they always remember their comrades—their brothers—who returned home in flag-draped boxes plus those who have died since their return home. The men (and women) who went beyond the call of duty are gone but not forgotten.

Those in the cream of the crop challenge us to give our best.

We may not be summoned for military service. Yet, we can serve in some way.

God calls us to make our world a better place.

Memorial Day and always, may the needs around us and the memories of those who gave their all spur us to action.

There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. (1 Corinthians 12:5 NIV).

Thanks to Beckham Wilson for the suggestion.

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Served on a Silver Platter

Served on a Silver Platter

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Served on a Silver Platter--silver tea set on traySome people expect life served on a silver platter.

When they eat in fine restaurants, their food may be served on a silver platter (a large serving plate that symbolizes wealth). They eat high on the hog.

People who expect life served on a silver platter expect the best.

They don’t think they should ask for it. Instead, people should know and give them what they want. If they don’t receive what they want, they get upset.

Those people don’t want to work for it.

They think others should wait on them. They believe they deserve the best because of their:

  • Riches
  • Relationship with important people
  • History of being served

People with such expectations believe they are better than others.

They:

Not everyone who expects life served on a silver platter is rich.

However, most have usually had their way. As a result, they think they should continue to get what they want when they want it.

Not every rich person expects life served on a silver platter.

Many wealthy people:

  • Share their riches
  • Work hard
  • Treat others with respect

Whether rich or poor as a church mouse, people can count their blessings and share those blessings with others. Serving others makes life so much better than serving self.

“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf” (Proverbs 11:28 NIV).

Thanks to Glenda Britton for the suggestion.

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Go the Second Mile

Go the Second Mile

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Go the second mile--2 mile markerNot everyone knows that go the second mile is from the Bible.

Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) gave His followers clear, but far-from-ordinary, guidelines.

Officers in those days could force people’s assistance for one mile. No one was required to go farther. Yet, Jesus told his followers not to stop after mile one. Instead, he said to go the second mile.

Jesus encouraged going beyond what law or custom demands.

Go the second mile was only one of several examples.

Through Jesus’ words and life, we learn more than what to believe. We learn how to act.

He provided God’s model in a less-than-godly world. He continues to challenge His followers to let the light of God’s love shine by:

  • Service rather than selfishness.
  • Forgiveness rather than revenge.
  • Humility rather than pride.
  • Respect rather than dishonor.
  • Assistance rather than neglect.

In all we do, let’s go the second mile.

“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles” (Matthew 5:41 NIV).

Do you have a favorite expression or one you want explained? If so, please comment.

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