Many people are looking forward to celebrating a day off from work and school on Monday, but it is so much more than that.  The reprieve from regular activities is meant to give us time to reflect on the significant contributions made to civil rights by Martin Luther King, Jr.  In addition, Americans are encouraged to make it a day of service to their communities in his honor.

This year actually marks the 25th anniversary of this federal holiday, so hopefully more people than ever will find a way to make a positive impact in their worlds.  Whether it's something small - like helping a senior carry their packages or holding a door open for a parent with a stroller - or something bigger like working in a soup kitchen or volunteering at an animal shelter, try to find a way to make a difference.  You'll find that it will be as rewarding for yourself as to those you're helping.  And that's a wonderful way to honor MLK Jr's legacy.