When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box.
That’s the title of John Ortberg’s book, and one of my favorite reads of all time. Those words inspired me to press on when I was at one of the lowest points in my life. Written an entire decade ago, the book remains relevant.
I’d even go so far as to say that it covers an absolutely timeless truth: that this life we live down here on Earth is only temporary, and it’s our only one, so we’d better make it count.
And, in order to do that, we have to know how to keep proper score.
To quote Back in the Box‘s Amazon page, it reminds us that "everything on Earth belongs to God, and everything we ‘own’ is just on loan." Being Master of the Board is not the point; playing by God’s rules is.
Chalie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was a picture of that timeless truth.
We all know by now what happened last Wednesday. The whole world heard about how he was shot to death on stage at Utah Valley University in front of his wife and two small children, a three-year-old daughter and a one-year-old son.
After that happened, I debated whether I would say anything in these pages. After all, this is, first and foremost, an investment letter. But as the days dragged on, his death still weighed on my mind. And so, I thought I would say my piece.
It seems as if the whole world is mourning him.
There have been vigils and memorials and remembrances of him in Washington, D.C… at NFL football games and country music concerts… the U.S. embassies in Berlin, Germany, and Madrid, Spain, where one sign read “Yo Tambien Soy, Charlie Kirk,” or “I am Charlie Kirk, too”… at rallies in London and gatherings in Sydney, Australia…
The list goes on. This young man, just 31 when he died, clearly made an enormous impact.
All because he understood how to play the game by recognizing that it isn’t a game at all.
My Tribute to Charlie Kirk
Personally, I’m still in shock over it. Although I never met Charlie Kirk in person, we did exchange a few direct messages on LinkedIn. And I’m sure you won’t be surprised to hear that I’ve always been a fan of his content.
Despite being more than two decades younger than me, he was an absolute inspiration.
He remains one today.
After I graduated from college, I spent over 20 years pursuing worldly things. I drove flashy cars, and wore expensive suits, and treated my family of seven to the best schools and resorts.
All because of how it made me look to others.
While I genuinely cared about my children, my business, and my clients… I put far too much weight on appearances – all the silly stuff that ultimately goes back in the box. It took not one but two financial crises for me to really realize how temporary fame and fortune really are.
It wasn’t until after my business partner left me nearly destitute and then the Great Recession took me down all over again that I finally learned what really deserves priority. That’s when I first read When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box.
And that’s when I first began to really ask God for direction on my life. Not until I was well into my 40s.
Charlie Kirk would have only been about 14 at the time. Yet I imagine he was already intentionally analyzing what was right and wrong, worthwhile and temporary.
Because just four years later, he went on to found an entire organization – an entire movement, really – designed to inspire people to make the most of their lives by turning their focus to the eternal instead of the temporary.
Count Your Blessings; Find Your Focus
None of this is to say that making money and planning out your retirement is pointless. I still very much stand by my mission of helping you, our subscriber, lead a dignified financial life.
But we have to understand that there’s something bigger than retirement as well. Much bigger.
That’s why, almost every Sunday, I go on a long walk before church, reflecting on my many blessings. I’m constantly reminded of my five wonderful children and two grandchildren who inspire me to be the best parent and grandparent possible. My mother, too, who raised my brother and me alone, sacrificing so much so we could live a better life.
As of yesterday, Charlie is now added to my list of contemplations. His life and death so powerfully reiterate how precious life is. How important it is to live each day to the fullest, trusting that God has a purpose for us if we’re only willing to let Him guide us through the game of life.
Just as Ortberg’s book inspired me to understand God’s infinite power and to utilize my God-given blessings to become a Wall Street writer, Charlie’s death has inspired me to push harder still…
To use my time even better. To pursue meaningful connections with family, friends, and business contacts even further. To seek out quality even more fiercely wherever I go.
I can’t help but feel that this is a major turning point for me, for the millions of people Charlie inspired, and the millions more learning about him now. Because of him, people are suddenly waking up to their God-given potential and the potential of those around them.
I don’t think there’s any going back from here, and I can’t wait to see all we can accomplish with this brighter vision to pursue.
Thanks for reminding us of that, Charlie. We can’t thank you enough.
Regards,
Brad Thomas
Editor, Wide Moat Daily
|
