"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly above all that we ask or think... to Him be glory" (Ephesians 3:20-21).

Eighteen years ago my 10-month old daughter Karen lay dying in a Pasadena hospital. It was the day before Mother's Day. She had suffered two cardiac arrests that morning and the doctors said she would not survive a third.

Karen had contracted an unusual case of meningitis that was destroying both her red and white blood cells. When she survived a third cardiac arrest later that same day, the doctors said she would be a "vegetable." They had good reason for saying that, as Karen had been "dead" for a total of 25 minutes from the three cardiac arrests.

To the amazement of the doctors, Karen was ready to go home after only 3 1/2 weeks in the hospital. "An act of God," they called it. "I've never seen anything like it," said the respiratory therapist. Karen had been completely healed by God. One nurse rightly concluded, "That baby doesn't need to be here!"

Last year Karen graduated from high school with honors. She had been tested and identified as gifted in elementary school—a far cry from "vegetable." You see, God did not just spare her life. He went above and beyond!

We must also go above and beyond. Doing the minimum required is not good enough by God's standards. Always add something extra to everything you do, even if it is only a smile.