by Jennifer Macon-Steele

Created on: January 17, 2010   Last Updated: January 18, 2010

Martin Luther King day is approaching, and the news is overflowing with stories of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. This is a time to think about helping.

The holiday for Dr. King is a time to remind us to be thankful for what we have, to give to others who are less fortunate and to remember the struggles of people who have had to fight for basic recognition of human beings.

I challenge you this year to view Martin Luther King Day as more than just the last day of a three-day weekend. There are literally hundreds of ways you can make this day count. Here are just a few.

Donate some money. Send money to a cause that helps people. Give to Haitian relief, or give to a food bank in your hometown. Yes, this is a very difficult time for everyone economically. But if you are struggling financially, imagine the struggles of those who had so little even in when the economy was good. You can afford to give something.

Donate your time. It is not hard to find a service project to involve yourself in. Whether you have an hour or a month to give of yourself, all it takes is a quick internet search to find the right place. Charities and volunteer organizations will be glad to have you.

Make a commitment. People need help all year, every day. Find a charity you believe in and commit whatever it is that you can afford, and give a little something each month.

Be kind in the world. Imagine what would happen if we were all courteous, tolerant drivers. What if we considered the needs and feelings of the people around us each day? Everyone you meet has a story. The cashier who was rude to you at the supermarket might have just lost her mother.

The person who slammed into you with a grocery cart and then acted like it was your fault may have a child in terrible trouble. Let’s all make a vow to treat others with compassion.

Consider a random act of kindness. Spread a little joy into your community and your world by doing something simple and kind for someone else. Pay for the person behind you at the fast food drive-thru window. Take coupons you aren’t going to use and place them near products in the grocery store. Did you get a gift card you aren’t going to use?

Stop by that store or restaurant and offer it to someone you see shopping there. Giving creates a giving spirit in others just as selfishness creates a drive to be selfish. Do your part to make the world a more generous place.

We honor Dr. King because we want to celebrate what is good and right about the human spirit. Dr. King spoke of equality, and part of that is realizing that we all need help and kindness from each other.

A loving attitude is a wave that grows. Let that wave begin with you.

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