Amidst the animated atmosphere of Swiss Days, I found myself sitting with my two granddaughters, eagerly awaiting the performance of the Utah One Voice Children’s Choir. Their popularity had soared on YouTube, and we expected an enjoyable performance. As the melodies flowed, we were engaged, yet it was clear the youthful energy of my granddaughters was ever-present, their spirits teetering between enthusiasm and impatience.
But then, a familiar tune began, and the atmosphere shifted. It was Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying.” There’s an indescribable emotion that envelops you when you hear young souls sing about the fragility and profundity of life. As they sang, “He said ‘I was in my early 40’s with a lot of life before me…,'” I felt a profound connection to the message.
Glancing at my granddaughters, I wondered: How were they receiving these words? The narrative of the song, detailing a man’s realization of life’s fleeting nature upon a grave diagnosis, urged us to embrace every moment. The adventures he embarked on were not just thrilling activities, but were emblematic of a desire to experience life more profoundly, to connect more deeply with others, to forgive, and to love more generously.
I was struck with the immediacy of the message. Here I was, with two of the most precious individuals in my life, listening to a poignant reminder to truly live. Would they understand the depth of the lyrics now, or would its profundity dawn upon them later in life?
Life has a tendency to make us lose sight of its beauty amid its routine. This song, in that moment, became a gentle yet powerful reminder to live with purpose and passion. It wasn’t just about grand adventures but about the smaller moments, the smiles shared, the hands held, and the love given and received.
That day, nestled between my two granddaughters, I felt an overwhelming gratitude for the present moment. The song echoed the sentiment: to “live like you were dying” is not a call to recklessness but to richness; to cherish, appreciate, and immerse oneself in the beauty of the now.
I hope that as my granddaughters grow, they remember this day, the song, and its message. To embrace life with an open heart, to find depth in every moment, and to love with all they have. To live as if each day is a precious gift, because indeed, it is.
Jaren
