LET ME ASK YOU A QUESTION

Today, January 15th, is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.  It is an American Federal Holiday that is observed the 3rd Monday of January every year, to celebrate the birth of Dr. King (his actual day of birth is January 15th!).

There are so many tributes on social media, print media and TV that are happening today.

I love quotes.....and Dr. King had MANY that ring true to me.

My favorite quote of Dr. King's is today's topic: 
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is:  What are YOU doing for others?"

Earlier this year, in one of the BEST YEAR YET posts, I said, "It's NOT about YOU!"

We were not just put here to fill all of our individual desires.

I continually ask myself the question, "What can I do that will help to improve the life of someone else?"

If we enter each day with this mind set and offer up even the smallest act of kindness, it could have a lasting and even an eternal impact on the recipient.

One day and lawyer who was an expert in religious law asked Jesus a question (trying to test Him, the Bible says in Luke 10) about inheriting eternal life.  Jesus responded to his question with a question, "What does the law of Moses say?  How do you read it?"

The lawyer's reply, "'You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength, and all your mind.' And, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

Jesus replied that he was right and told him to "...do this and you will live."

But just like many of us...just like me, the lawyer wanted to justify his actions....how I read it is he was wanting to know how little he could do and still "get in!"  He asked, "And WHO is my neighbor?"

Many of us live in a house. Normally, we'll have a neighbor on our left or right.  We might even say those that live across the street from us...and if we are really bold, we'll say all those that live on our block are our neighbors....but no more than that.

Is that really the depth of who are neighbors are?

In Luke 10:30-37, Jesus told the lawyer a story about someone who was an outcast in their society who showed love, mercy and kindness to someone he didn't know.  It was compassion that caused him to do these things (read the story).

So the question again to us today, that was posed by Dr. King many years ago, "WHAT are you doing for others?"

Here is a list.  It's not an all inclusive list.  We'll call it a "starter list" to give you ideas of what you can do.  Think outside the box on this one:

• Shovel your neighbor's sidewalks AND driveway (if applicable)
• Mow your neighbor's yard
• Take them to the doctor
• Offer to watch their kids (no charge) so the parents can have a date
• Go to the shelter and volunteer
• Go around and pick up trash in your neighbor hood
• Do a charity race or event or whatever that helps to raise money for others

See what you can come up with that goes WAY beyond these few ideas.

Albert Einstein once said, "Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile"

As you continue throughout your BEST YEAR YET, make it a habit to ask yourself, "What am I doing for others that goes beyond ME?"

Happy Birthday Dr. King.