12 So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom. – Psalm 90:12
There is a divine wisdom that comes from knowing your limits. The period of history we live in is interesting. As the days pile up, we can almost be convinced in our immortality. As we hide the dangerous issues of this world behind fantasy and bright screens, we fail to feel the quiet urgency that comes from numbered days. Not living in immediate danger – a general comfortable existence robs us of a fervor and wisdom many of the Bible characters felt daily.
A few days ago, I shared about looking at each 24 hour period as New Year’s Day. I think this gives us a fresh opportunity to “number our days” as the Psalmist recommends. Like with many things, when we look at our life with the end in mind, it tends to focus the point of it all. What are we working towards? What are we building with these short days?
When my son was born, it changed everything (what a glorious understatement). Not only did it effect my sleep patterns, mental health, and professional aspirations, it also changed the way I look at my numbered days. I remember holding him in the hospital and coming to the sober realization that some day both he and I would pass from this earth. At first thought, this doesn’t sound like the typical new born gloat that many melted eyed fathers would share, but it was a needed reminder. The truth is, I don’t have any clue to how many days I have or how many days I will be entrusted with my son. With each passing day, I feel as if I stole one from an all too busy God who is distracted from my parental duties. Some day however, the jig will be up. I simply don’t want to be found staring at a screen, wishing I had wrestled with him longer, gave him that bath, or stayed up rocking him to sleep.
It is easy to get distracted in this life. This is probably the most ruthless trick the devil ever played; to busy us with seemingly “good” things in exchange for the silent greatness that takes a little more intention to realize.
Today, live with a little more easy going fervor. Identify something worth your numbered day, and do it. May your day be filled with more redemption than regret.
Matt simon blog 