MLK Day of Service

Volunteers with Project Sweetie Pie

Dr. Martin Luther King Junior once noted "Life's most persistent and urgent question is 'What are you doing for others?'"  So it seems appropriate that a call to service goes out on this national holiday when we recognize the life and work of Dr. King.

There are a plethora of service opportunities working with youth, seniors, wildlife, etc.  Locally Hands on Twin Cities provides a listing of hundreds of things and places were people can help out.  On February 18th they'll be hosting a Volunteer Expo at the Mall of America.

This past year I've have the great enjoyment of volunteering in the following different areas of service:   

• Helping launch the Victory Peace Garden with the 4-H,
• Serving on the board of the Crystal Fund for Community Progress,
• Chairing Stewardship efforts at Valley of Peace Lutheran, 
• Working with Project Sweetie Pie on urban farming in North Minneapolis, and
• Tutoring math with third graders at Noble Elementary

Victory Peace Garden

In all cases I discovered truth in the paradox that through giving we receive.  What can be more satisfying than helping a young person gain skills that will last them a lifetime, or growing vegetables that will feed folks in need, or even helping people give of their resources to worthy causes?  

One final remark by the late Dr. King "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 a verb to agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love."