Counting Days

“Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12

For the past several weeks, I stepped back. As summer’s schedule brought different responsibilities and opportunities, I shifted time away from something I love—writing—and turned it toward someone (or rather, “someones”) I love—my girls.

The days have been good. In and around youth camp, Vacation Bible School, and family trips near and far, we’ve talked, laughed, played, and watched The Lord of the Rings trilogy more times than I dare confess. I’ve been reminded of how quickly babies grow into ladies, and I’ve realized again that the treasures I hold in my heart mean much more than those I hold in my hands.

As I now resume writing and we ready for the start of school, I earnestly lift up the prayer of Moses. “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom”(Ps. 90:12). “Numbering our days aright” moves far beyond slashes on my calendar to the activities on my agenda. When the day is done, have I done it well? Have I invested my time, energy, thoughts, and talents in ways which show-off Jesus and share His joy? Have I kept the urgent from getting in the way of the important? And have I remembered that God’s greatest desires are for me to love Him and to love others—not to look out for myself?

Assessing each day with eternity in mind aids greatly in “gaining a heart of wisdom.” Honest consideration of what we do, why we do, and how we do helps us learn from yesterday how to live today. These weeks of summer have refreshed my spirit and renewed my commitment to God’s call in my life. It’s time to make sure those closest get my best. It’s time to let abundance replace busyness. It’s time to live out what I write down.

Don’t just count the days.
Make the days count.