Yes, It Is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, v. 2015

Last year went so fast, I feel like birthday notifications on facebook are lying to me. Didn't that person I love just have a birthday? A few months ago? Apparently, as I was toddling around while my life was flipping gears, time went by, even though I wasn't noticing it as much. That's sort of how I feel about Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Every year I think I'll be doing something more helpful, more courageous, more kind, less self-centered, less about me so that I don't feel guilty on days like this. And each year I find I'm pretty much doing the same me things. That's not a casual admittance; it's embarrassing and humbling and climb out of the muck of me motivating. One of the things I want to do when in the Turtle traveling the States is to work with Habitat for Humanity along the way. Well, apparently I didn't invent that idea, it's already going on. A friend of mine is involved and while I keep missing the time to work with him in his area, there is a whole country out there that hooks up with people in RV's and HfH projects. So if I don't do one, I have only myself to blame. It's not the only thing, it's one thing. That's a start. There.

But positive actions don't have to have officially named coverings. I see caring actions here on Culebra literally almost every day. It can be standing up for speaking rightly (and I don't mean being politically correct) of others. It can be activeness in voting by saying who you believe in and why. It can be feeding the hungry, clothing the naked or sheltering those with no shelter, whether 4 legged or two. It is about volunteering. Saying Yes. It is about Other. Unexpected kindness can be as stunning as a taser.

I think Dr. King, a human being with flaws, gave himself no excuses to not act. Being imperfect doesn't leave an option door to walk out of due to being imperfect before helping a neighbor or a stranger. Damn it.

Yesterday I read a letter Dr. King wrote, a very long letter that I'd never read before, addressed to the clergymen of Birmingham. If you are inclined, get a cup of coffee or tea, sit comfortably (because you'll be a little uncomfortable at some point in reading this) and see what you think. I was surprised and glad to read what felt so true, beyond almost incomprehensible understanding into barely cloaked deep disappointment. And staggered hope. And much more. You can find it here.

Have a Martin-like Monday. Do something matter-of-factly moment in each moment meaningful.