Christian Living

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Going The Extra Mile
© 2007

by

Stephen A. Peterson


On May 4, 2002, Alesha Peterson graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Oklahoma State University—Stillwater. Within two weeks after graduation, Alesha received a job that paid her $30.00 an hour in the Dallas, Texas metropolitan area. She loved her management position, the challenge, the responsibilities—and the attention, as well!

By February, 2003, things had changed. Contract had dwindled and senior workers from other divisions where work was slow were transferred into Alesha’s division. Later that month, Alesha’s supervisor said, “Alesha, I hate to tell you this, but unfortunately you are being replaced. Because you are a hard, intelligent worker, I’m certain you’ll have a position with the company.”

The company had. Alesha went from being a Chief Management Officer to a Financial Planner with a forty percent reduction in pay. Alesha felt she didn’t have a choice. As she worked in her new position, she found her duties less stressful with a great deal of planning time. She made up her mind to do her best and to do it enthusiastically. Although Alesha’s supervisor never requested her to do so, Alesha, at times, spent extra unpaid hours at her job as well as took the time to earn a Master’s Degree at North Texas State University. The hours leading to her Master’s were also unpaid by the company. Although it seemed Alesha lost her position and money, she was supported by her supervisor who did the best he could to make her feel appreciated with a kind word and a genuine interest in her advancement. Alesha’s co-workers were supportive as well. The commented and knew how hard Alesha worked at her job to be the best she could be.

In the spring of 2006, Alesha was returned to her management position rested, relaxed…and with her Master’s Degree. She was also given a pay increased from $18.00 an hour to $40.00 a hour.

In January, 2007, Alesha was interviewed for a District Manager position. Within four weeks, she received a telephone call that confirmed the new position.

“Welcome!” the voice said. “The Board could not overlook your courage, loyalty, hard work and willingness to go the extra mile for this Company, Ms. Peterson! Can you start as District Manager for the north Texas area on Monday?”

At the end of the day, Alesha left the office and walked out into the warmth of a late Texas winter afternoon. What career had begun as a misfortunate had become a profitable venture. And all because of her patience, courage, willingness to go the extra mile in face of a challenge, and a belief that God had placed her exactly where He wanted her to be through her daily prayer and with God, her REAL Father!

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