Spend them wisely

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

A high school teacher in Los Angeles had a unique way of stimulating her students to think. From time to time she would write brief messages on the chalkboard that were unrelated to their current studies.

One morning, the students found the number 25,550 written on the board. One pupil finally raised his hand and ask the instructor why that particular number was there. She explained that 25,550 represented the number of days in the life of a person who lives to be 70. The teacher was trying to emphasize life’s brevity and the value of each day.

When I was young and looked ahead, time seemed to move so slowly. It was hard to imagine what older folks often said — that time passed so quickly they wondered where it had gone. But as I grew older, the years seemed short and fleeting, especially when compared with eternity.

This underscores what James said about life: “It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away” (James 4:14). Therefore, it’s important that we make the most of our opportunities to honor God, serve others, and proclaim Christ. Let’s ask God to “teach us to number our days” (Ps. 90:12) so that we will spend them wisely! — Richard De Haan

Only this hour is mine, Lord —

May it be used for Thee;

May every passing moment

Count for eternity. — Christiansen

READ: Psalm 90

Don’t just spend time; invest it.

The Bible in one year:

• Genesis 12-15