Have you ever imagined your funeral?
I really hope so. If not, then I’m insane. Although I guess we already kind of knew that.
I think it was this past Monday, when I was driving home from school. And as I was driving, I just started thinking about how weird driving really is. Isn’t it weird? You’re sitting there in your very own little world, and your world is moving, and you’re sitting perfectly still, but because your world is moving, you’re moving too. People are zipping around in their own little worlds, watching other people in their own little worlds out the window, and occasionally (or frequently) getting angry at someone else, complaining they’re just “off in their own little world”. And then sometimes the worlds collide, and when worlds collide, things get messy.
Then the darkest thought that has ever crossed my mind in probably eternity made me think this:
What if my world collided with another, this very moment? What if, as I’m crossing this intersection right now, another world comes flying through a red light because they’re on their phone or drunk or falling asleep, and they t-bone my world? What if they destroy my world? What if they destroy my world so badly, that I never get another chance to live outside my world again?”
What if the police had to call my family and tell them that my world collapsed? What if my name had to be called out over the announcements in school the next day, and all my friends had to find out my world shattered? What about my teachers, my dance instructors, and the kids I babysit?
I’m sure you’re probably ready to close out of this article right now. You’re shaking your head, saying “I don’t want to think about this.” To be honest? Neither do I.
But I challenge you to give the thought five minutes of your attention. Maybe we don’t want to think about it, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t, because the really scary thing is that it happens all the time. Do yourself a favor, and don’t lie to yourself and believe that it could “never be you.”
This article is actually not about funerals and dying, though. This article is actually about life, and what it means to be here, right now, living in this moment.
This is a reflection of how many of us spend our time and attention, and if those are really the things that will matter when it’s time for us to go.
A little while ago, my friend and I were taking a personality test online just for fun. And I will never forget one question it asked me that, at first, I had no idea how to answer.
It asked, “Would you rather have a child that’s super caring OR super intelligent?”
Now, when I think back to how long I spent considering that question, I’m embarrassed. What’s even more embarrassing is that I think I ended up picking super intelligent.
The matter of fact is, this life is about so much more.
1) It’s about believing in something. I personally happen to be a Christian. I both recognize and respect that this is not the case for everyone. But if I can be honest, I don’t care who, or even what you believe in, as long as you believe in something. Without something to believe in, you lack purpose and drive to make the time you have here matter for something bigger than yourself. Life doesn’t get satisfied in any other way but having a cause and pursuing it, and living out your beliefs and values in your everyday behavior.
2) It’s about finding something you’re passionate about. The most recognized and life-changing accomplishments in the entire world were born out of a passion, because nobody can put a price on possibilities born out of a human ambition when they’re doing something they love. I find the greatest satisfaction comes from doing something you know is going to make a difference in someone else’s life. My deepest drive lies within getting someone to a happier and healthier state of mind. Perspective is key, and I cannot wait to dedicate my career to helping others realize the power of their own mentality. Make sure you find yours. When it brings you joy, it will for others as well.
3) It’s about realizing your own power, and using it. I think we often underestimate the way in which we touch others and their lives. I recently invited a national-circuit youth leadership trainer, Mr. Ted Wiese, to speak at a seminar I was hosting for student leaders at my high school. He said it most simply.
“Have an attitude of greatness.”
Most people, he pointed out, will answer the question “How are you today?” with an “I’m fine” or an “I’m okay.” What if you were to put “fine” or “good” on a scale from one to ten? Most people would say these words are about a four or a five. But if you got a four or a five on a ten-point quiz? You’d be failing! A failing attitude does nobody any good. We are asked how we are multiple times a day. What a perfect opportunity to brighten the mood in someone else’s life. Tell them you’re great. Tell them you’re awesome. Maybe it’s not even true, but you can make someone see the light in this world that gets so dark sometimes by being that light yourself.
Imagine if these were the things that consumed our time and focus.
We’d have some pretty phenomenal funerals.
