by Will Gile 

 “Crikey, this croc’s a beauty, look at its razor sharp fangs. One sudden move and it could rip off your head. . . . Let’s get a little closer!”   

Sadly, the man who often said and did crazy things like this on TV has died. The death of Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin brought an outpouring of emotion from fans all over the world. He swam with sharks, wrestled with crocs, and danced with snakes, but all it took was the sting of a small stingray to end his life.   

Irwin was a hero to children and adults alike. The TV show “The Crocodile Hunter” gave us an opportunity to experience the wonder and beauty of God’s creation without risking an arm or a leg. Not only did Irwin’s TV show have a great impact; his contributions to wildlife preservation made him one of Australia’s top conservationists. Irwin’s Australian Zoo helped save many endangered species, and brought international attention to wildlife preservation.                   

Some said he was out of his mind, and that he acted foolishly. He didn’t help his case when he dangled his baby over a man-eating crocodile on national television. But life-risking antics aside, Irwin’s warm personality and unbridled energy were a testimony to his love of the natural world.                   

He was never afraid to show wonder and awe, and he didn’t fake his identity. Interviewers would ask his wife, Terri, “Is this what your husband is really like—even off camera?”                   

Her answer was always, “Yes!”                   

People loved to poke fun at Irwin, and he was the subject of great impersonations on comedy TV shows. But his enthusiasm never stopped. He was genuine, and a true role model.                             

So what can we learn from the life of Steve Irwin?   

It is too easy for many of us to get caught up in life’s daily routine. We forget to be passionate about life. We may not have the daring job of a Steve Irwin, but we can still live life passionately. If we begin each day in the knowledge that we are going to have a blessed day, it will happen. Each morning we can pray that God will show His will to us, so we will experience His purpose for our lives.                     

Sometimes it takes the death of a loved one to wake us up, but this need not be the case. Why not make it a point to live each day to its fullest, and experience life the way God intends it to be?           

Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10). 

Steve Irwin showed us that life is precious—and short. Let’s not waste it. 

Will Gile, who claims a mailing address in Whittier, California, is a student majoring in communications. He is currently studying at Avondale College in Cooranbong, New South Wales, Australia.  He has spent four summers—including one in Ireland—selling Christian books. He has also written for his school newspaper while a student at La Sierra University in Riverside, California.