We All Die Unexpectedly; So Live Exceptionally

We are all going to die. Now, I am not trying to be morbid, and my thoughts here are not meant to be depressing at all. Actually, my hope is that you will feel a renewed sense of purpose and vigor towards life, and the things that you are passionate about. Perhaps it is because the new year is upon us, but this thought will not leave my mind: We are all going to die, how many of us truly live?

Charles was in the prime of his life when he fell to the floor, stopped breathing, and his mortal journey here on earth ended. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought that could ever happen, not to him, not to me. But it did happen. He died on a day like any other day. He was there, and then the light in his eyes fizzled out, leaving him a lifeless shadow of the man I loved. His time on earth was cut short, his days numbered less than I would have desired.

Death comes unexpectedly.

Even when we know that death is coming -- if a loved one is facing a long grueling battle with illness, or advancing age starts taking its toll -- it is still unexpected when the moment comes, and death takes the body from the spirit. We just never know when we will be parted from those we love, or even be the one who will be taken. We take for granted sometimes the frailty of life, and deny the reality that is death... a journey we will all take.

We could die at any time.

With that lovely thought in mind, let's explore what it means to truly live!

We live by schedules, clocks, routine, and duties to be done. The world moves at a dizzying pace, more now than ever before. We plug into our devices, and scroll endlessly looking for... something? Busy, busy, busy bees we all become. We are always rushing about here and there, trying to accomplish endless tasks, often adding more than is necessary, just to keep up with the speed of those racing frantically around us.

Life can get crazy on its own, to be sure. But sometimes, we are the crazies.

So, how can we live an exceptional life, without going crazy?

As I thought on this, my parents came to mind. Let me share a few things to paint a picture of their life philosophy of: "Seize the Day."

They love to discover new things.

Throughout their marriage, my parents always made time to go on adventures and have fun. Whether there was money, or not, they would take time to go and explore whatever was around them. From attending musical productions, to being tour guides on cruise ships -- they have been all over the place. They have always made time for fun outings and trips, sometimes near, sometimes far. They were, and still are, always trying new things, and exploring new vistas. Discovering and trying new things keeps life exciting and fresh.

They are always "journeying."

Back in the day, they moved to Alaska from Arizona, and they did it without having a job secured. They just felt it was right, and they went for it. They packed up their Arizona home of 20 years, and drove the Alcan Highway to live in Alaska just for the adventure. Crazy! They moved to Alaska in 1984, and besides a few missions and traveling, they have remained there ever since. They have always been put to good use serving in the Church, as there is a great need for strength and dedication in the land up North. They love to travel, and journey to various places as often as they can. Their once bold move to Alaska brought to fruition 3 of their children's marriages, as we all found our spouses there, which has of course lead to grandchildren. Sometimes you have to be bold and do something crazy, when you know it is right.

They are always searching for beauty in the world around them.

When we were young, they would round the children up and gather us in the car almost every weekend and go "on a drive" somewhere far away. I did not realize until becoming an adult, how amazing all those car rides really were. They gave us time to breathe, to think, to ponder, to sing, to wonder at the creations, and to do those things together as a family. It was on those drives that my philosophical mind was unleashed, as I stared out the window and pondered the Cosmos, while watching Beluga whales peaking their white heads up out of the ocean. I was taught to see beauty in the world around me, because my mother would squeal with joy at every little bird that flew by the window. I think my dad likes that joyful squeal, because he always tries to find new things for her to get excited about.

They did not over schedule our family.

My parents never overburdened us with sports, or music lessons; but they did over-bless us with family time, togetherness, and adventures. We all just kind of picked up sports and music naturally with age, and pursued them at our own individual interest level. Extra activities were never forced, just enjoyed when we decided to participate. Our home was a place of music and activity, so we were able to try and find hidden talents. It helped that my mother was a musician, and my father was an English professor. From them I inherited my love of music and the written word. We knew that family time was important, and the time we had together holds some of my most precious memories.

They were always serving.

My parents have always been willing to share their various talents. My mother has a gift for music, and she has shared it freely and spent countless hours offering her fingers on the piano, her voice, and her choir leading ability. My father is a teacher and has served in various callings, including being the Alaska Bush Branch President, which I remember because we had all sorts of interesting people come in from the boondocks to stay in our home. My parents home had an open-door policy, everyone was welcome. They continue to serve on missions and currently in the Temple Presidency in Alaska. Serving has kept them young and happy.

The list could go on, but you get the idea. An exceptional life takes diligent effort, it is even an effort to have fun. But it is oh, so, worth it! What is important is to figure out your priorities, and what is important to you, and make your life something truly sweet. Do not compete with others; this is your life, and only you can live it. When your obituary is written, it will be about you, not someone else. What do you want it to say?

I have talked to my mom and dad about how they have lived their lives together, and they said they do not want to have any regrets when they die... they want to really live! Through love of family, service, and countless adventures, I would say they have truly lived indeed!

"Carpe Diem!" or "Seize the Day," has always been their motto. I find it is good advice. I discovered that a more literal translation of Carpe Diem would be "pluck the day, as it is ripe." As in, each day is like fresh fruit, go and eat it up!

Life is so very precious. Our mortal lives have a limit. Tomorrow may come, or maybe it won't. You never know.

You will die, that is a certainty.

Between now and your date of death; choose to fully live!