Live Like 24, 24/7

Last week we lost a legend; a captivating player and an inspiring leader. 

Unexpected loss like this reminds us that in a blink—everything can change.

Human nature tricks us into thinking that we are more powerful than humanly possible.

The mind tricks us into thinking that planning for our futures will make it come true.

That if we work hard enough, we can control the outcome.

That, if we are vigilant enough, we can ensure our own safety and the safety of the ones we love.

The hard reality is that we can’t—no matter how hard we work, how on top of things we are, or how much we strive to prevent or contain, we are not in complete control. No one is.

Thus, we are left to face this distressing uncertainty with a choice: will it debilitate us with worry, or will it fuel us to live more intentionally?

While I run high on worry, my heart pulls for intentionality. I recognize that I so often live running between work, school and the soccer field—mind jumping from task to task to task—mind guiding all actions.

I am missing my own intentionality. And—this may be a familiar feeling for you…

Truth is, we can very easily get so caught up in our minds that we forget to truly live. We even rely on mental power to solve mental problems—but this just leaves us more confused, worried, frantic, and out of touch.

And, as we’ve learned… time is not guaranteed. So, we must not waste it in the depths of our minds.

A goal for each of us is to determine what intentionality looks like in our own lives.

The old adage goes, “live as if there’s no tomorrow.” While sappy, there’s underlying truth in this old phrase—a subjective truth that’s palpable if you give it time to soak in.

If we’ve taken any of Kobe’s many life lessons, let it be this one: intentionality means a greater devotion to our relationships— on family, on team, on friends, on neighbors, on community. It’s an intentional focus on who brings us joy in life.