“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12
In the last couple of months, I have heard this many times as we have traveled as a family to watch our sons play hockey. Many of these games have taken place around Chicago two to three hours away depending on the traffic and construction. The first time this question is asked is before we have even left Bloomington. So this week, we plan to drive to Florida I’m thinking of starting a tally chart for fun to see how many times this is asked.
I often can take for granted the time we spend with each other. As I reflect on previous shorter trips I can recall many lost times to frustration, short tempers, yelling both at our kids and my wife because of my loss of patience and grace. I’ve even quoted the “Don’t make me pull this car over” that may have happened a few times growing up. In these moments that are fleeting, I have lost sight of God, His Grace, and the Kingdom promised to all of us. I have lost sight of His purpose for my life and the lives of my wife, children, friends, and others. For me, I need to be in His word every day. His word is living and active. Hebrews 4:12 Proverbs 30:5 says Every word of God is flawless, he is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. Psalm 119:105 says Your word is a lamp to my feet, a light on my path.
There are many verses that you can go to when faced with challenges throughout the day. I will often carry a few in my pocket as a reminder to provide support in the face of adversity. Remember that Satan is the father of lies. Don’t let him ruin these moments you will be spending in the near future with family and friends. Keep your faith, trust, and hope in our Savior who sent his own son to die for us. For me, I’ve been reminded about my wife and children and the importance of always showing my trust and faith in Jesus who came to show us how to live, how to love Him, how to love others. I recently read the book Hero by Meg Meeker who said, “Every day that your children see you, they’re shaped by you. And equally important they are also shaped by your absence when you are not there”.
In nine days we celebrate the birth of Jesus. He lived a perfect life. He died for us and was resurrected so that we would believe. It will be easy to get caught up in the road trips, the parties, the gifts. Don’t miss the opportunity you have today to share the greatest gift ever. The chance to have a relationship with God. Proverbs 3:6 says, In all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight. Every conversation we have with a person (or your own child) leaves them better or worse. Make it better!
Dear God,
Teach us to number our days. That earthly day we have is an opportunity to praise you and submit to your will for our lives. Often we can get caught up in everything going on around us and lose sight of who should be at the center of everything. Heavenly Father, please help us to lean into you and celebrate the eternal life we will have with you one day.
12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:12-14
Are we there yet?
