Just Living Life

Ralph Yarl was just 16 years old when he arrived at a home in Kansas City to pick up his younger brothers at a little after 10 p.m. What Yarl did not realize is that he had mistakenly arrived at the wrong house -- a similar but incorrect address -- and when he rang the doorbell, the homeowner responded by shooting him in the head and arm.

According to police reports, the 84-year-old homeowner said, "Don't ever come here again" just before firing his gun at Yarl. Andrew Lester, who is white, has pled not guilty to  felony charges of assault in the first degree and armed criminal action; his trial is set for later this year. Yarl, who is black, has had a slow but steady recovery since he was shot this past April.

Since the shooting, Yarl reports that he has experienced headaches, difficulty sleeping, and trouble concentrating at times, but he has no intention of letting the incident slow him down: "I’m just a kid and not larger than life because this happened to me,” he said. “I’m just gonna keep doing all the stuff that makes me happy and just living my life the best I can, and not let this bother me.”

Now a high school senior, Yarl received news last week that he has earned a spot on the 2024 Missouri All-State Band. The district named Yarl second chair for bass clarinet, and he and his peers will have an opportunity to perform later this month at the Missouri Music Educators Association annual conference in Lake of the Ozarks.

As you ponder stories like Yarl's and lean into the complexities of this icy new year, keep in mind these closing lines from David's Psalm 16:

Lord, you alone are my portion and my cup;

    you make my lot secure.

The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;

    surely I have a delightful inheritance.

I will praise the Lord, who counsels me;

    even at night my heart instructs me.

I keep my eyes always on the Lord.

    With him at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices;

    my body also will rest secure,

because you will not abandon me to the realm of the dead,

    nor will you let your faithful one see decay.

You make known to me the path of life;

    you will fill me with joy in your presence,

    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

How will you open your path to God's joy this week?

Blessings to you,

Jennie