Going the extra mile

Many years ago there was an elderly lady strolling through a Pittsburg Department store, obviously just killing time. She passed counter after counter without anyone paying any attention to her. 

All the clerks spotted her as an “idle looker” who had no intention of buying anything. They made it a point to look in another direction when she stopped by their counter. 

Finally the lady came to a counter that was attented by a young clerk who polietly ask if he could help her. “No,” she replied. “I am just killing time and waiting for the rain to stop so I can go home.” “Very well madam,” the young man said with a smile. “May I bring a chair out for you?” 

And he brought it out before she could answer. After the rain slacked, the young man took the old lady by the arm and told her good bye. As she left she asked for his card.

Several months later, the owner of the store recieved a letter, asking that this young man be sent to Scotland to take an order for the furnishings of a home. 

The owner of the store wrote back and said he was sorry but that man did not work in the house furnishing department. But he said he would be glad to send an experienced man to do the job. 

Back came a reply that said no one would do except this paticular young man. The letters were signed by Andrew Carnegie and the “house” to furnish was Skibo Castle in Scotland. 

The elderly lady was Mr. Carnegie’s mother. The young man was immediately sent to Scotland. He recieved an order for several thousand dollars woth of household furnishings and with a partnership in the store. He later became the owner of a half interest in the store. 

Jesus said, “And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.” (Matthew 5:41)