THE POWER OF DEATH
It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live. Marcus Aurelius
Last night I thought a lot about death. I know, it sounds so morbid and dark. And yah, at first it was dark and I walked down those roads. I’ve walked these roads before but it had been awhile.
In the past, I’ve even visited a cemetery, just to really let death sink in. There’s nothing quite like walking past all of the tombstones of names imagining how they died or why they died, or even, what dreams were buried with them.
So what got me thinking about death? Ha, good question. My bride and I were watching a film titled, Descendants featuring George Clooney. I mostly love the film because of the picturesque scenes of Hawaii. When you watch it, all you want to do is visit and lay on the beach. However, the focus of the film is of death. So yah, it’s a bit dark but also shed so much light on roads I have not traveled in a while.
So, what about you? Have you walked down the road of death? Have you imagined what the end of your life could look like? Have you organized your affairs in the event of an accident?
You’re probably like, “whoa! whoa! whoa Anthony! Geez buddy, you’re in a really dark place. You ok?” My reply is, “Yah, I’m good. I’m looking toward the future in order to live my best life now. No regrets right?”
Here’s a passage which really speaks to me anytime I think about death. It’s from Psalms 90:12 and it says, ‘So teach us to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.’
It says to number our days. When I look at numbering my days, my days become so much more important. The life I do have, grows exponentially in value. I begin to look at things I want to do in my life and figure out a way to accomplish them. I begin to cherish the moments with my family more. I become more grateful for the job I do have. I reflect with joy on all of the beautiful moments of life I have been living.
You see, walking down the road of death is truly an opportunity to be joyful of the life you are living.
If you have ever watched the Christmas film, It’s a Wonderful Life, you will see a perfect example of this. The film portrays a family man who thinks his life could be so much more. Instead of looking at the great joys of his life, he prays to God asking, “to have never been born.” When an angel grants him this wish, he quickly realizes his life was so much greater than he realized. It took facing off with death to realize the gift of life.
Here’s a quote I love from Mark Twain regarding death, “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
Before you get into your day, I want to put a challenge your way. The challenge is this: Will you walk down the road of death today? Will you number your days? Will you face your fear so you can ultimately live your best life?
If you were to die today would you be happy with what you left to the world? Have you put your best energy into your dreams or goals? Is there any unforgiveness you need to address with friends or family? Have you loved, cried or laughed with the people who matter most? Are you ‘proud’ of your life or are you just living day to day? Are there vulnerable moments you’re too scared to share?
When I ask myself these questions (and I do it often), they always cause me to live a better and bigger life. They inspire me with gratefulness and energy to launch into my day with everything I have. They cause me to love my bride more and hold my babies longer. They nudge me to call my loved ones and be more generous. All in all, death brings me more life.
And that’s what I want to leave with you today. The power and irony of death. Live your dreams today. Don’t let them be buried in a cemetery. They are yours to live and share. People need the best version of you.
Always keep learning. a.
