I wrote this up about a month and a half ago.  Thinking back over the last few years, and also about the plateau of what’s left of my life before me, I asked myself, “What is really important to me?  What does a meaningful life look like when it is done?” 

It certainly would be rich in relationships, love, encouragement, and the knowledge that I have sought after God’s call on my life, and followed my heart wherever He took it- and tried to do whatever He led me to do, regardless of how things turned out. 

Meaning is found in the trying, the connecting, the doing, the persevering, the risking, the contributing, the enduring, and the following- the following of your heart, and the following of His guidance, through which we really learn more about Him day by day.

I plan to post this on a wall somewhere where I can see it regularly, and check my life against it. 

Let me know if you would add or change any of these items as you think about your own Meaningful Life Manifesto.

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The Meaningful Life Manifesto: How to Live a Life that Matters

Seek God and His will for your life each day.

Pinpoint your purpose. Clarify your calling.
Define your dreams.
Package your pursuits.
Plot out your projects.
Get down your goals.
Calendar your commitments.
Define your disciplines.
Perpetuate your practices.
Track and tick off your tasks.
Review, realize, and revise your priorities.

Guard your heart, but follow it.
Further your friends.
Connect with your contacts.
Manage your motives.
Stay grounded in grace.
Stay close to your calling.

Face your fears.
Confront conflicts.
Endeavor to encourage.
Strive to serve.
Honor your obligations.
Rule your responsibilities.
Engage instead of escaping.
Give more than you take.
Forgive and move forward.
Share praise instead of self-pity.
Express your gratitude to and for others daily.

In all things, pursue grace and growth.

PDF: Meaningful Life Manifesto