MLK Day. It just seems like another Federal holiday where we can’t go to banks and our mail won’t come. But this is a day that is different from most holidays when we’re off work or out of school. This holiday isn’t a day off. It isn’t a time to hangout with your family or go for those long weekends away. This is a day of service. 

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This is a day to look at the world around us and say to ourselves that we want to make it a better place. We want change that generates love. We want to see people grow and thrive; we want our neighbors to be fruitful in their endeavors. We want peace, reconciliation and love between all people.  I want the world to be like a children’s television program where the characters are happy and get along and work together. I can’t wait to see heaven after I pass; I want to see heaven here and now.   

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So often I look around and I don’t see this idealistic vision of the world, but I do see where love can influence us and change us in that direction. But how do I start that change? How do we start? How can I play a part in shining Christ’s light into this dark, dark world?
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I think Martin Luther King Jr. had this same vision of a world in unity, so he showed others a means to this vision and that is by service. From Matthew20:28, “Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Service to others can change lives. Like a pearl slowly being formed and perfected over time, service does the same thing to people who serve their neighbors out of love. Service will make you great. “Everyone can be great...because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love (MLK).”

But you may be asking what can I do? What can change with just a few hours of my time? At the beginning of quarantine, CLC created a service group, Noah’s Helpers. They wrote notes to our homebound and older members. They are still in need of encouragement. Take some time to write a note to someone who is facing isolation or just needs a word of encouragement. Send them to the church office, and we can get them to our members.

Also, Amy Daniels, our Director of Outreach, is always looking for helpful hands and hearts. Currently, her team is lifting up Feed A Family, and can use help with getting groceries to families. You can reach her at adaniels@christelca.org.
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“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’.”- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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