Numbering Our Days
As a child, I did not think about the passing of time much. I recall that the summers used to seemingly last forever. As a teen, I thought about time a little. Summers passed a bit more quickly as I filled the days with mowing and golfing. I started to understand the comment I had heard so many others (who were older) state: "The older you get, the faster time passes." I think about the passing of time regularly now! I see my children changing quickly right before my eyes. I see some gray hairs starting to show themselves on my head. Does time pass more quickly for those who are older? No, but I think it feels that way because we often take on more responsibilities and are therefore much busier as we age. As they say: "Time flies when you're having fun." In truth, it flies when you're busy, period (regardless of whether you're having an enjoyable time or not). Periodically, I find myself asking: "Stephen, what are you doing with your life? Are there things you're leaving undone that need attention?" The passing of time brings a sense of reality and urgency.

Let me ask you, friends: "What are you doing with your life?" Does your life have real meaning and purpose? Do you catch yourself just "existing" from one day to another? Time is passing, and it is up to you to make the most of it. Benjamin Franklin said, "Doest thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of." James, under inspiration of the Holy Spirit, once asked a question and then answered it - "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away" (James 4:14).

There is no denying it--life is brief. We must use our time on Earth wisely. We only have a limited amount, and we cannot go back and relive certain days or years. Once it is gone, it is gone forever. Paul exhorted - "See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil" (Eph. 5:15,16). Jesus declared in John 9:4 - "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." Let us learn from our Lord's example.

Dear listeners, the question that each of you should ask yourself is not: "How can I add years to my life?" Rather, we should all be asking: "How can I add life to my years?" Let us pray with Moses - "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psa. 90:12). May we never forget the fundamental purpose of our existence, which will help us to make wise decisions with our time - "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all" (Eccl. 12:13).