Psalm 90:12 – Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (NIV)

When we were young, we couldn't wait to grow up and be adults. On looking back, we now see that life goes by so fast. At the time, though, we were not wise enough to recognize just how short life is, and that God could call us home at any time.

Many years ago, I went to a theatre to see a movie, "Life is Beautiful". It is a film of laughter, tears, unhappy events, and power. The main character, Guido, made life beautiful in all circumstances, even in prison camp. When tragedy comes, it makes us realize how precious life is.

We sometimes live as though our lives will go on forever, but in reality, our days are numbered, and only God knows when our life will end. A poem by Linda Ellis, called "The Dash", which has touched me deeply, says, "What matters is how we lived and loved and how we spend our dash," referring to the dash on all tombstones — the time between our birth and death — and how we lived that time when we were touching the lives around us.

Each one of us must use our time wisely and not waste it. We are called to show Christ's love each day, so that others will want what we have. It is not the material things that are important, but what we have done for Christ by showing integrity and respect to all, no matter what they believe or are seeking. God has us in the place He wants, and we must be aware of the people He brings around us each day. It is the work that God does through us that counts, not what we decide to do for Him.

Psalm 103:15-16a – As for us, our life is like grass. We grow and flourish like a wild flower; then the wind blows on it, and it is gone. (GNB)

Prayer: Father, help us to live in Your love from day to day, so that others will seek You and only You. Let all material things fade into the background, and may we be faithful to You alone. Amen.

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