My thoughts

As an individual and Kiwanis' Division #7 Lt. Governor, I am very proud of our Kiwanis clubs for their willingness to sponsor new Circle K Clubs and Key Clubs.  The youth of our communities provide us with enthusiasm, insights into what our communities may become in a few years with their leadership, and they constantly renew our dreams for a better tomorrow.  Each generation should be the greatest generation, providing families, communities, state, nation, and world with more goodness and opportunities than the preceding generation.  We can only capitalize on the numerous opportunities we have to improve communities if we realize our diverseness and let our diversities strengthen our agendas.  The core of our beliefs, tones of our skin, our differing talents, and the age of our lives are designed by GOD to be blended to create strength.  Anything else leaves us weaker as an organization than our potential. 

To our senior Kiwanis members, I don't quite know how to express my gratitude.  All I know to say is, "thank you."  You provide great wisdom, understanding of our environment in which we find ourselves, and you see the strengths and weaknesses of individuals and groups of individuals.  Your presence and conversations educate us far beyond what we can learn in a text book.  To our youth, I say, "thank you."  Again, these words seem inadequate for all you have given.  You constantly inspire with your words, and especially with your actions of compassion for others.  The very things adults complain about or ignore are the very tasks you take on, in an effort to make life better for others.  You are the ones that visit unrelated individuals in hospitals and nursing homes.  Our youth are the ones that often visited me while I spent many months in various hospitals as a child.  The Texas Tech Circle K'ers, are making personal valentines for children in hospitals.  When, if ever, was the last time we who are adults ever did something like this? 

Through membership in Kiwanis, I have seen the tragedies caused by abusive parents, the disadvantages of those lacking wealth, and how our communities cater to the wealthy more than the poor.  Thankfully, Kiwanis Family members are making a difference, one life at a time.  Also, through Kiwanis I have gained many wonderful friends in Key Clubs, Circle K Clubs, and Kiwanis clubs here, throughout our division and district, and even across our country and world.

GOD called us all to help others.  I don't mind helping others, but I sure prefer being around all my fellow Kiwanis Family members when providing a service.  Together we have fun and grow friendships.

In God We Trust,       

Daryl G. Halsey