I was planning to write on a different topic today, but, as I was making my way to my WordPress account, I was moved by the number of articles on the internet related to Steve Jobs and his death. I know his innovation has shaped our world, but creative thinking alone doesn’t move mountains just as intelligence alone doesn’t make one a straight-A student.

In one of the many articles, I came across a Steve Jobs quote. It’s from his commencement speech at Stanford University in 2005. Here it is:

“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything—all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure—these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.

Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma—which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”

How is this relevant to a bunch of weary parents?

Imagine living every day as if it were your last! Instead of hitting the snooze and rushing through my morning routine, I would jump out of bed eager to serve my family. I would hang on every word my kids say. I would gush over all their wonderful qualities and tell them how proud I am. I would thank God for every moment we had together. I would send them off to school with a kiss and a smile and, “I love you!” because I want them to remember me positively.

Living life as if today is my last day would help me spend my time on the things that are important and lasting and less time on the things that are meaningless and perishable. To me, the important things are people and relationships. I would spend my time building them up.

So, in case today is my last day, I better get moving! I have a legacy to work on and I may only have a few hours. Steve Jobs left behind a legacy of innovation. When I die, I want to leave behind a legacy of love. I want my love for others to live on in my kids, my family, and my friends. If today is my last day, then this is my number one priority. Ciao!