This post is dedicated to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Your light shines on.
I’ve been chasing after success most of my life. Even as that impending retirement date draws closer, I’m already planning for my next venture as a small business owner. A friend recently told me, “You’re not retiring, you’re re-firing.” True enough! And I don’t think I’m much different than anyone else in the United States, valuing achievement and feeding on accomplishments. I’m not disparaging achievement. Our nation is built on the blood, sweat and tears of hardworking people, but lately, I’ve been receiving messages from various outlets about significance. And that got me thinking …
If I die tomorrow, I will have a long list of achievements to take to the grave but who did they help? Sure, I have done the job I was paid to do but did I leave a mark? Am I building a legacy or simply stashing away paychecks for a secure future?
On this birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I take pause as we remember this great man of significance. His legacy was fueled by passion and purpose and his impact truly changed the world. Dr. King was also successful. His message continues to resonate with us today as we seek to carry the torch for racial equality. But I believe his success was secondary to his significance. The seeds he planted live on. The lives he touched will never be the same. Most of our success is driven by immediate reward and gratification. Dr. King’s success drew from a deeper well of faith, passion, purpose, and vision.
As we celebrate Dr. King’s life and legacy, can we think about our purpose? Many of us likely recently listed New Year’s goals and resolutions for self-improvement. Did any include actions or goals that will increase our significance? I guiltily confess that my first pass did not. Me, the author of “Living in Your Master Design,” the book about life on purpose, lost sight of why I am really on this earth. But I am determined to change that. I want to live a life that matters. That is God’s desire for each of us. It is why we are here. Will you join me in following Martin Luther King, Jr.’s example and seek to make a difference? We can start small. But let’s start.
PS: What can we do to leave a mark on our world? Let’s share ideas of how we can impact our communities by serving.
Thanks for the great message, Jayne. I was just thinking, it really doesn’t take much to make a difference in someone else’s life. A smile to a cashier having a rough day, giving a waitress a nice tip, doing an errand for an elderly neighbor, adopting a shelter dog. There are thousands of ways how we can bless others. It doesn’t have to be big, just sincere and done out of love.
Those are all great ideas, Sue! And you’re absolutely right; it doesn’t take much to make a difference. A small gesture can go a long way, and be exactly what someone needed in the moment.
I still can’t believe I did it, but at 73, I decided to enter the Ms. Colorado Senior America Pageant. It’s similar to the Miss America Pageant, but contestants must be 60 or older, except (thank goodness) there’s no swimsuit competition!
It was a great experience and I made so many new friends. I stepped out of my comfort zone and I’m so glad I did.
This experience changed my life. As Ms. Colorado Senior America (yes, I won!), I performed my “Stand-up for Seniors ” comedy routine at Senior Centers and Assisted Living homes all over Colorado.
Sharing a laugh makes people feel seen, connected and less alone.
Through my comedy and participation in the Pageant, I hope to inspire other seniors and make a positive difference in their lives.
That is simply amazing, Jeanne! I’m so inspired by your story; not enough to enter a pageant, mind you (I would not win!), but to step out of my comfort zone to try something new. I’m sure all the seniors were blessed as you performed for them. What a wonderful way to love on a group of people who are often forgotten. PS – Is your routine on YouTube? I’d love to see it.
Dear Jayne,
I have been deeply moved this year by all the publicizing of Dr. King’s words and works, including this one that you wrote!
As an introvert, I am called, I believe, to serve one-on-one. My small resolution this year is to give more hugs. I have noticed how hugs change me when I am hugged by another. That includes my friend who gave me, back in 2022, my only case of Covid! When we see each other, she always initiates a hug to one side and then, she moves her head to the other side and gives me a second hug! That intimate exchange always helps me in deep ways. I find I want to do the same for others, WHEN APPROPRIATE. May He help me to be faithful and discerning about this.
Thank you so much for sharing! I love your resolution to give more hugs; that is a wonderful idea and one we all can easily adopt. A simple hug can really make someone’s day. I know that God will absolutely help you to be faithful and discerning as you extend yourself to others. God bless!