Psalm 90:12

“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
Another version says, “Teach us how short our lives really are so that we can be wise.”
And another version says, “So teach us to number our days, that we may present to you a heart of wisdom.”
Oh what kind and gentle thoughts. Very similar to a prayer.
In order for us to be taught anything we must be willing to receive it.
This verse is sharing with us that our life is a journey as we are passing through it.
The older I get I realize it is short, and it is fleeting.
In a moments notice something could go wrong, and we are faced with heavy hearts.
A year ago some good friends of ours were killed in an accident that was totally devastating to everyone who loved them.
They were out for a bike ride, just an afternoon outing, when a car slammed into them and killed them.
Life was shattered. Life ended. In one afternoon.
I learned through this experience that none of us know when our time is closing in.
None of us know if we are going to be here next year or next week.
Our days are numbered and our ability to impact others with our words, our faith and our love is shortened.
I realize it might sound doom and gloom, but in reality we cannot know what is ahead of us; and really we wouldn’t want that ability, even if it was possible.
We have six grand children and I pray we are able to see them all graduate from high school and possibly a few marriages.
We went to a wedding ceremony yesterday and it was the continuation of a circle, the circle of life.
The pictures displayed of grandparents who went on before them, of their own parents who stood beside them.
The circle of life continues to spin around us.
I like the ‘gain a heart of wisdom’ part, because as I age I feel like I am gaining a new awareness of what is important.
When I was younger it was important to have a nice home, decent car and a job.
Now that I am retired I find it is more important for me to have comfort in my home, good friends and time spent together that is positive and life building.
God often talks about heart conditions.
He knows without a ‘heart change’ we won’t learn and won’t receive from him.
I think this verse is more like a prayer, “teach us Lord, to number our days,” to not expect more than what is here in front of us.
I think it speaks of being wise and mindful, that each decision we make affects the whole picture, of not only our lives but the lives of others in our path.
A heart of wisdom tells me we need to be thoughtful, watchful and careful of not only our words but our plans.
It is a good thing to be open to the lessons with open hearts and open hands.
For if our days are numbered… let us make the ones that we have, good and treasured ones.