That last day of another year. It always catches me by surprise, this passing of time. I keep trying to stop it - or at least see it go by. But like breath, it's imperceptible. Until it's gone.
So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.
That's what Moses prayed. And of late, it's my prayer too. I don't want to find myself sad that more time has passed. After all, isn't such sorrow simply because I didn't make the most of each moment? Not in a "be all that you can be" or carpe diem sloganeering way, but in a faithful stewardship, fruitful for the kingdom sort of way.
And so again, tomorrow I will spend some time thinking through my priorities and set goals for the new year. A clean slate. A fresh start. As much as I'm wistful over this year's ending, I'm excited about the new year's coming!
Just as this last day gives me pause, and even a pang of sorrow for opportunities lost - moments that will never be again - so tomorrow's first day fills me with joy and wonder. So much possibility. What will the next season hold?
I'm ever thankful for a God - our loving heavenly Father - who gave us time. When we use it for His glory, it's a gift.
And so, with Moses, I pray,
O satisfy us early with thy mercy; that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. Make us glad according to the days wherein thou hast afflicted us, and the years wherein we have seen evil. Let thy work appear unto thy servants, and they glory unto their children. And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
Lord, help me. Guide me into your will and help me to be a good steward of the days, hours and minutes ahead. Amen.
