Live Like You Were Dying--Steve Irwin Did

Last night as I was surfing I saw something that will make my sister very sad, The Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin has been killed by a stingray. He got hit in the heart by the stingray's tail. He was 44. What a tragedy. I think everyone loved to watch Steve and his wife Terri explore wildlife because of their enthusiasm. You could see the love for what they were doing just pour out on the screen. There was an enthusiasm that was contagious. It almost made you want to go out and wrestle a croc yourself--almost.

For some of us it was the educational side that lured us in. For others it was the daredevil side. Still for others, (like KK and myself) it was that sexy accent and boyish grin. For my son it was the amazing closeups of the animals and adventures. Everyone loves a little adventure. And Steve took us there. From the comfort of our homes we could sit in our underwear or nighties and watch as the Crocodile Hunter would sneak up behind a venomous snake and lift it for the camera. We would hold our breaths as he would jump over the boat and wrestle a crocodile with his bare hands. One of my favorite shows was a documentary he and Terri did about the penguins. Watching Steve ooh and ahhh over how beautiful the creatures was was mesmerizing. He had a love for all God's creatures.

Even though to some it might seem foolish what Steve Irwin did--putting his life on the line for his career, I began to wonder if maybe he didn't have the right idea after all. I don't mean that you need to take life-threatening risks or put yourself in harm's way. Steve had training. He had experience. I'm sure in his eyes, it was a calculated risk. The payoff for him was the thrill of the hunt, the lessons he gained from it, and the contribution to the world he could make from his observations. I believe he truly loved what he was doing. The song, "Live Like You Were Dying" comes to mind.

If you were told today that you had 30 days left to live, what would you do? Would you do things differently? Would you take some calculated risks? Would you do something you ordinarily would never do? Would you take that trip to Europe you've been putting off? Would you write that book you've been thinking about for ages? Would you learn to paint, play an instrument, do karate, speak French? Well, what's holding you back? Life's all too short. Enjoy this world God's given us. Enjoy it's pleasures, it's creations, it's opportunities. Live like you were dying. Because I have a newsflash for you. We all ARE.

Say a prayer for Terri and Steve's children and family during this time. Even though they are celebrities they are people just like me and you. Even though they may be a world away from us, they can still feel our prayers. My heart goes out to them today.
Steve Irwin Crocodile Hunter