Good morning…
On this day of remembrance, I reflect upon my favorite quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Everyone must decide to walk in the light of creative altruism or in the darkness of destructive selfishness.”
Everyone. Every one of us must decide. Light or darkness? Creative or destructive? Altruism or selfishness?
Creative altruism is the act of selflessly helping others without expecting anything in return. It’s about prioritizing the needs of others, even if it means sacrificing our own time, energy, or resources. Altruism helps us to connect with others, to build authentic community, and to create positive change in the world. We shift our focus from ourselves to ask “What might I do to brighten someone else’s day?” When we choose to walk in the light of creative altruism, we develop meaningful connections with all kinds of people, and we harness the power of the Spirit of God actively alive among us.
Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that… Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life (Galatians 6:4-5, MSG).
With so much turmoil, strife, and pain wreaking havoc in our world, might we each be guided by one question? “Lord, what might I do to brighten someone else’s day?” Living into God’s answer personally designed for us, small step by small step, we will walk together in the light of creative altruism.
…Sue…
P.S. One fun way I enjoy walking in God’s light is spending time at PAWkids, a non-profit in downtown Atlanta. In the after school program, on Wednesdays from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, we help the kids bead bracelets, do creative art projects, story-tell with sand, enjoy photography projects, or make cards and gifts for their loved ones. These hands-on expressions of creative joy certainly brighten the day.
After fixing five burst pipes over the holidays, PAWkids program is beginning back with the kids this Wednesday. Please consider joining us by signing up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050D4EAFA728A7F49-arts
