Crikey Croc Hunter!

The news this morning included an interesting tidbit about the Croc Hunter of Aussie. Steve Irwin died this morning from a stingray. The tail came up and hit him directly in the chest and punctured a hole in his heart. Can you believe it? He was only 44 and left a wife and 2 kids.

People are saying, well, he died doing what he loved, but what a terrible waste. All that experience and strength and natural charm. All that raw courage and a lifetime of dedication had literally made him a household name. This likeable man, with his wonderful enthusiasm and brilliant personality, with all the abilities and knowledge he acquired and mastered over decades, came to such an abrupt and unexpected end. Everyone is saddened by the news.

YET what a challenge. Here's a man who faced death daily for a bunch of reptiles and fish just because he loved it. He loved them! I have to pause and ask myself, what do I love that much? Am I willing to go to such extremes?

Come on, oftentimes, we who claim to love God won’t even walk across the street to talk to our neighbors. We won’t go ten feet or ten minutes out of our way for the One who died for us. As the wonderful Keith Green sang so powerfully in the 70’s, “The Lord Jesus rose from the dead! But you! You won’t even get out of bed!”

Heaven help us to live in such a way that when it’s time to leave this planet, we will have invested well in the things we believe and the ones we love. We will have lived it fully with all our hearts. Follow your passion, take a few risks, kiss the ones you love. SAY what you believe and stand up for the ones you love. Don't hide or make excuses. Live while it is still day. As Beth Moore says,

"Life shouldn't be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather, to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out and loudly shouting, "Wow! What a ride! Thank You, Lord!"