...And recognize that there are ties between us
All men and women
Living on the earth
Ties of hope and love
Sister and brotherhood
That we are bound together
In our desire to see the world become
A place in which our children
Can grow free and strong
We are bound together
By the task that stands before us
And the road that lies ahead
We are bound and we are bound
-James Taylor "Shed a Little Light"
For the past number of weeks and months, much of my work has centered around preparing for Martin Luther King Day, Messiah's day to engage students in learning, serving, and reflecting on how the legacy of Dr. King is being lived out in Harrisburg today. Today was the day, and everything went wonderfully, but only now am I able to personally reflect on the significance of this day. I've been so caught up in seating arrangements and making sure we have enough cups and finding the right budget codes that only now that it's all over can I fully appreciate what this is all about.
It's about planting the seeds that will one day grow, and watering seeds that are already planted. It's about seeing students who are just being exposed to ideas of justice and service start to ask questions, and seeing students who have developed deep and thoughtful insights share those with others.
It's about honoring our Community Partners, individuals and organizations in the community that are working tirelessly everyday, living out Dr. King's vision of equality and justice in very tangible ways.
And it's about stepping back to think about the big picture - to recognize the great life and work of Dr. King and so many others who have gone before us. Re-reading some of Dr. King's speeches still gives me the chills - someone so passionate and so eloquent and so effective in rallying people around this cause so dear to his heart. Although his life was cut tragically short, it is his legacy that lives on.
And if we want to truly honor Dr. King today, then we must challenge ourselves to see how we can be living out his vision in our daily lives. There are so many injustices in our world that's it's easy to become numb to it all. But although we can't solve all the problems of the world, God has placed within us certain passions, gifts, and abilities in order to serve his kingdom. It is our job to explore how we can use there in our particular place in this particular time. May God help us in this endeavor...
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