A Life Well-Lived
Greetings from K-Life Ministries,
With the annual reminder having just past of the great life and accomplishments of Dr. Martin Luther King, I was once again reminded of the great message of freedom. Dr. King was not only a courageous visionary; he was also convicted to the core for the cause of equality and freedom for all. Though his life was tragically and prematurely cut short, it was certainly a life well-lived.
As 2009 slowly fades into the shadows and 2010 emerges, have you given much thought to “living well?” Have you taken time to assess 2009 and thought about what you will do to “live well” in 2010? As the leader and shepherd of my family, I took the occasion of the new year to take my family through a short exercise centered on the idea of “living well.” First, I told them that this exercise was for them and thus I didn’t need to know what their content consisted of unless they wanted to share it with me. Next, I asked all eight of us to pull out a sheet of paper and divide it into 3 sections. In the first section, I asked them to think about and then write out the ways they saw the hand of God at work in their life over the past year. This was a great reminder of God’s personal presence in our lives and that He is worthy of our trust and subsequent dedication. Secondly, I asked them to write down the names of the people who have helped them over the past year, and I asked them to make contact with these people to thank them for the participation in their life (via visit, phone call, email, etc.). I have lived 50 years on this earth and have yet to meet anyone who has been successful solely from their own efforts. It is very healthy and humbling to be mindful of the things others have done for us and then equally, if not more importantly, to actually go to them and thank them personally. (Remember the story of the ten lepers?) Lastly, I asked them to write down anyone’s name that they have had a hard time forgiving over the past year. Then we talked about the results and ramifications of an unforgiving heart. The resentment, bitterness and heart erosion that comes from unforgiveness is very much a direct hindrance to “living well.”
There is not a greater cause in my life than the cause of encouraging my kids to live out their days in spiritual health. Left unattended, everything over time grows stagnant and unhealthy. However, when we exercise, whether it be our bodies or our souls, we are healthier, and health is the precursor to “living well.” I want to encourage you and your kids to exercise your souls as 2010 comes into view. And 12 months from now be able to join me in saying, “2010 was a year well-lived.”
Thank you for the privilege it is to work in this ministry. It is our great honor to serve the Lord in the capacity that He has given to us. Of course, many of you have played a large part in helping us along the way. As always, it is our privilege to cross paths with you when we can and until then, know that we are resolved to…
Influence a Youth Culture for Christ,
Kyle Unruh
President, K-Life Ministries, Inc.
P.S. Our vision for impacting an entire youth culture for Christ is fresh and continues to live on with great passion. We are very careful to steward well what the Lord has provided us through many of our generous friends. We will not allow ourselves to pursue some of the dreams we have without the proper financial support either pledged or in hand. I would love, and I mean that sincerely, to share that vision with you. If you are interested, please call me (417.266.3219) and we’ll set up a time.