Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 NIV
Do you remember when you couldn’t wait for your birthday? It was your special day. You even got a cake with candles to blow out. My mom always made me a cake that looked like an animal such as a bunny. On no other day would I get a cake, let alone one shaped like a rabbit. But birthdays were different. They were special. They might also come with a party and birthday presents or a special birthday dinner. Whatever happened, you looked forward to them.
I can’t say birthdays have quite the same meaning for me these days. Now they are more of a reminder of how quickly life passes. Still, I am grateful for each year God has given me. And don’t get me wrong, I won’t pass up a piece of cake either, no matter what the cake looks like.
Psalm 90 tells there is wisdom to be found in thinking about our days (and years). The Contemporary English Version translates it: “Teach us to use wisely all the time we have.” So I ask God to help me see each day as a gift, and to use them wisely to serve others, appreciate the beauty around me, and love God more deeply. May you do the same.
Pastor Mark