Living With Intention
Last week, my Grandad made his way heavenward after an incredible 92 years on Earth. It's a huge loss for our family, but witnessing his peace, and even joy, at the prospect of going to heaven was the most moving display of the truth that “to die is gain.”
On Sunday, someone asked me whether his passing had stirred in me a desire to live with more urgency, as a fresh reminder of how fleeting life is. But, interestingly, that wasn’t what I felt at all.
In fact, what I’ve realised is that I want to live with less urgency. There’s enough urgency in the world already. The lesson I’m taking from my Grandad’s life is not to do more, faster - but to live with deeper intention, which often requires slowing down.
My Grandad was so present, so intentional, in everything he did. That’s what made his life so impactful. He was loved by many, but more than that; he loved many, and he loved them well.
He never missed a birthday. Cards and gifts always arrived right on time. He wrote thoughtful letters and prepared meals that were ready the moment you walked through the door.
One of my own pet peeves is my chronic lateness with birthday cards and gifts. When I finally get around to it, I’m usually scribbling a heartfelt (but rushed) note in the car before handing it over. But Grandad? He would sit down at his desk, and write slowly and deliberately, as if the person he was writing to were sitting right there with him.
This wasn’t just a habit of retirement, it was a mark of who he was. He was a faithful husband and father, and carried that same intentionality throughout his professional life, too. Grandad received a CBE for his service in the fire brigade. He began his career with the Lancashire Fire Brigade, rose to become Chief Fire Officer, President of CACFOA, and later the Commandant of the Fire Service College, where he led transformational work that helped build a centre of excellence before retiring.
What a legacy.
Not just for us, his family, but for countless others whose lives he touched and whose names I may never know.
To live with intention requires discipline. It means saying no to lesser things so you can say a wholehearted yes to what truly matters. It means knowing your values, and honouring them not just in words, but in the way you move through your days.
There are many more lessons from my Grandad’s life that I’ll continue to reflect on, but this one, living intentionally, is the one I feel led to share with you today.
I hope, as you read this, you take a moment to consider:
What is truly important to you?
And how might you live more intentionally with your yes and your no?
I love you, Grandad.
Thank you for all you gave us, and all you taught us.
“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” - Philippians 1:21