What if Tim McGraw was wrong?

"I went skydiving

I went Rocky Mountain climbing

I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named Fumanchu

And I loved deeper

And I spoke sweeter

And I gave forgiveness I'd been denying"

And he said

Someday I hope you get the chance

To live like you were dying"

First, a spoiler alert! Tim McGraw did not write this song.  It was written by one of Nashville’s top songwriting duos as they discussed life and a friend who went through a misdiagnosis that changed his life forever.

It’s about taking risks, living life and coming out on the other side…

I love this song.  In fact it was the impetus to start trying to live – and knock some of those bucket list items off my list now – not later.  But there is a bigger message.

“Someday I hope you get the chance
To live like you were dying"

WE ARE ALREADY DYING.  

I’ve faced my mortality in the last few months – head-on – sure of one drastic outcome.  But that’s not the plan I was given by the man upstairs.  What I did get was some TRUTHS.

You see, I’ve been skydiving.  I’ve climbed and hiked throughout many of the National Parks, including the Rockies.  Still waiting on the bull thing, but maybe it’s good I’m redirecting my narrative before I find myself strapped to a bazillion ton beast who wants nothing more than to throw me and then pounce on top of me.

Here are the Truths I’ve collected over the last year…

Love deep and Love strong – you may not get a second chance.  Never had I experienced what it really felt like.  Then I had it for just a moment – and I am forever changed because of it. ~ A.W. (maybe I’ll write more on this sometime soon…)

Hug your kids – you don’t know when you’ll have to say goodbye.  They grow up, we go through loss, they are at a distance.  Hug them!!  F*ck it – don’t mess this one up.

Enjoy your friends and don’t take them for granted.  My best friend called me tonight and I realized that I really missed the A$$hole.  I’ve been blessed with a good group around me.  And they are precious to me.

Not all risks you take have to be newsworthy but take them.  Some things are bigger than jumping out of A PERFECTLY GOOD AIRPLANE!  To some a still, small gesture is as big as climbing the highest mountain.  Find the things that truly resonate with your spirit and leap.

Stand for what you believe.  Even if it means standing alone.  If you have even a glimmer of faith you’ll find that there is a big, real, sometimes stubborn God up there who may have a bigger plan for you than you do yourself.

DO GOOD - Stop and help someone around you.  Find joy in giving and helping others.  I picked up trash and poop from outside the music center where I used to work this week.  And today I had the privilege of standing before a group of high school kids and share my limited knowledge of hand drumming.  Do something good.

We’re all dying, but what are you living for?
Yes, I'm really asking.  What are you Living For?

I’d like to know…

~ Peace

Chad