Show me, Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. [Psalm 39:4-5 (NIV)]
Within a few days’ time, I met one woman who recently lost her husband to cancer and another who would soon lose her husband to cancer, not because he is ill but because of her terminal illness. Both women were fully aware of the fragility of life and how quickly one’s life can change. Rather than complain about the unfairness, sorrow and pain of their circumstances, both women said they count their blessings daily and thank God for every one of them. People of faith, these women have come to terms with God’s plan and a sense of peace radiated from them both.
Lord, our time here is brief. Guide us so we make the most of every day. Don’t let us squander time and energy on petty complaints, in self-pity, anger or resentment. Show us how to savor each minute and squeeze every moment of joy out of life that is humanly possible. Help us to find your love in all circumstances and enable us to see and appreciate each day’s blessings.
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. [Psalm 90:12 (NIV)]
It’s only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth – and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up – that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had. [Elizabeth Kübler Ross]
Devotions of the Heart 