Keneth Keiser is a friend of mine who just died in his 50s of a heart attack. His legacy is remarkable and refreshing. I just spent some time with his son, and we spoke fondly of his life and the impact it has had and will have on us as younger men. Ken consistently cared for people who couldn’t give him anything in return. He laid his life down consistently and absorbed the burdens of those he encountered. For me personally, Ken would listen to me and encourage me however he could, never taking thought to his own comforts or looking for ways to advance his own plans using me or my resources. Ken would listen and encourage and then listen and encourage some more. Ken is my best example I can think of for selfless care for those in more desperate places in this life. He befriended, for example, one elderly man at a time, being available and caring for them consistently every week. He would care for them until they passed away, often helping them have longer lives than they would have otherwise had. Doctors would comment that he had helped these men live a good 10 years longer than they would have otherwise apart from Ken’s assistance. And, Ken would be a friend to them, encouraging and enjoying them as a genuine friend, often learning life lessons for himself from their lives, truly counting them to be among his closest friends.

Isn’t it true, friends, that as we care for the least of these, we find ourselves admiring people we never thought we’d have the time of day for prior? We could find ourselves be less impressive than we think we are now. Is there harm in that? Doesn’t God say He gives grace to the humble among us? Let’s humble ourselves and become like one of the little children we see around our community or in our homes every day, down low, enjoying people as they are.

Dear Father GOD, please forgive our pride as a nation here in the United States.  Remind us of people like Ken, who selflessly show the steadfast love of Jesus by how they have lived their lives.  Thank You for Ken’s example and wonderful life.  Life really is beautiful.  When we’re out on the highway (where Ken spent much of his life driving truck), may we remember Ken.  May our private thoughts be often prayers for those we’re showing the love of Jesus to when with them in person.  When we’re hiking the paths in these beautiful mountains and valleys and near the coast, may we, like Ken, deeply enjoy Your creation.  May we remember Your tender care for us and may we show the Love of Christ consistently.  Please remind us of Your favor on our lives, and may we show this favor to others, especially those who can’t give us anything material in return.  May we enjoy giving like Ken did, lighting up when we think and talk about those we’re caring for.  In the joy of Christ, Amen.

Ken and I sat here in my office for hours on end, sharing notes about how joyful giving really can be.  Today I got to spend over an hour with his son, Justin.  Justin, you are a man with much in your heart.  I truly believe God plans to continue and multiply your father’s legacy in you and your siblings’ lives.  And to Ken, I deeply admire you, a hero for me for eternity.  I look forward to giving you a big old bear hug one day soon with Christ and all our other siblings in Christ!  We’ll all be together before long!