A Day On

As a Federal employee I can name the ten paid holidays; they are valued days and the period from September through February is my favorite because there is at least one holiday each month. The truth is that holidays are valuable to me as a long weekend, a chance to go out of town, or catch up on household chores. Sadly, there are several holidays that I don’t use the day to honor their namesake. The tenth holiday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, was first observed in 1986 and was added during my career. This observance started with contention but is evolving into a unique memorial to Dr. King. Several years ago the slogan “A day on, not a day off” began to be presented as the focus of the day, offering a day of service to the community instead of a day of leisure for individuals. The hope is that the goodwill then grows from one day of service into an ongoing practice of servanthood. The President elect is passionate about bringing change to the country through the commitment and service of individuals.

“Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

He is using the same power of the internet that helped him connect with voters in the election to now help align people with missions; www.usaservice.org asks for your zip code and they can connect you with local project. Locally, the Volunteer Center of North Texas can also help match your gifts with the needs in the community. Or, all I would need to do is look at the prayer list in the church bulletin and find someone who could use a visit.

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'” Martin Luther King, Jr.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, If we could honor your name every day by serving others, each day would be a celebration and feast of love. We would not have to sanction days on the calendar to remind us of our duty to the world. We are thankful for the dream that Martin Luther King, Jr. shared. In a time of chaos, strife and injustice, he saw visions of the promised land. Instead of pursuing hatred, he chose love, considering hatred too great a burden to bear. Let us chose love. Let us vision peace. Let us work for justice. Amen.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made straight and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together. Martin Luther King, Jr.