The legacy of Martin Luther King is not just what he did for civil rights but his message of service.
“Everybody 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.” – Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.
Another lifetime servant in the cause of children’s rights and well-being, , Marian Wright Edelman said, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.” Though we should engage in service to others, charity and active helping because of the joy and self-satisfaction it brings us, Marian Edelman Wright’s insight (often erroneously attributed to Muhammad Ali) tells us there is also a duty to serve.
Successful television producer and founder of People for the American Way, Norman Lear, said, “It seems to me that any full-grown, mature adult would have a desire to be responsible, to help where he can in a world that needs so very much, that threatens us so very much.”
Remember, you don’t have to be a full time missionary or social activist to serve. Just do something to make the world a little better.
I believe that service is not only a noble thing to do, it’s the best way to lead a truly fulfilling and significant life. I also believe Happiness the peace of mind that comes from feeling that I am living a worthy life in the company of people I love and in the service of something bigger than myself.
common delusion is to think of service only in terms of sacrifice. Service is a reliable road to a series of emotions that enlarge our life and uplift our spirits – satisfaction, pride, worthiness, fulfillment, and even outright joy in seeing our efforts improve someone else’s life. If you haven’t made the time (You’ll never “find” it.) or haven’t felt the inclination to help, please try it. You will be astounded to discover how good it feels and how much you have been missing. -Michael Josephson
Here’s a few more of my favorite quotes about the joy that can be found in service:
“I slept and dreamt that life was all joy, I awoke and understood life was but service, I served and realized service is joy.” – Rabindranath Tagore
“In about the same degree as you are helpful, you will be happy.” – Karl Reiland
“One of the deep secrets of life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.” — Lewis Carroll
ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO HONOR THE LEGACY OF MARTIN LUTHER KING IS TO SERVE.
Did you know there’s an organization and event to help you do that?
See https://www.nationalservice.gov/special-initiatives/days-service/martin-luther-king-jr-day-of-service
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service – #MLKDay
“Each year, Americans across the country answer that question by coming together on the King Holiday to serve their neighbors and communities. The MLK Day of Service is a part of United We Serve, the President’s national call to service initiative. It calls for Americans from all walks of life to work together to provide solutions to our most pressing national problems.”