Consider one of the boldest statements I’ve ever heard: “God is still the most important, most valuable, most satisfying, most all-encompassing and, therefore, most relevant reality in the world.” Wow! That’s a power-packed comment! This confident statement was written by well-known preacher and author John Piper whose assertion was a simple one: life begins and ends with God. Do you agree? This is real food for thought.
Our world has, perhaps, thousands of differing interests, goals, objectives, pursuits, philosophies, paradigms, perspectives and contexts. Yet, Piper puts it to us that all of this bows in submission to the authority and omnipresence of God. Well, I agree with him.
I don’t even think that you have to be a religious person to, at least, stop and take notice of this concept. Nature’s splendour, the beauty of the horizon at sunrise and sunset, the benevolent humanity of men and women and even former enemies during times of natural disaster and the sobering reality of death, are just a few indicators that there’s something, or more accurately, Some One bigger than us- indeed, Some One higher, taller, stronger, smarter, more powerful.
Yesterday, November 20, 2019 was the 7th anniversary of my mother’s death. As I visited the cemetery where she was buried, I said a silent prayer thanking God for all that the wonderful Ruth Patricia Marcus taught me and I recommitted myself to use my gifts to serve others. Walking besides multiple tombstones was a timely reminder of how fleeting life really is. I reflected on the words of the psalmist who said: “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Yes, life is short. Our days are numbered. Therefore, each day counts. If we humbly accept that we are finite beings, then it becomes that much easier to pursue wisdom at the heart level.
Wisdom, which is the application of knowledge to daily living, begins with a healthy reverence for God. It keeps eternity in view even as we accomplish our life’s goals. Wisdom acknowledges that we humans need one another and so it motivates us to treat others with respect, kindness and grace. Wisdom is valuable and is to be treasured.
Number your days, make the most of every opportunity and gain a heart of wisdom.
This Post Has 10 Comments
Tyrone… the loss of a parent is immeasurable; I lost my mom too. Keep doing what you are doing; her life is still making a difference through yours
Thanks for your kind and gracious words Carla.
I am seeing more and more the importance of wisdom and the value it brings to a life. God freely gives us wisdom and if we don’t have it and pray for it, he will give us as well. I think about my mom too and all the valuable lessons she strove to instill in me and do wish she was still here teaching me. I have the memories and pictures to bring me the peace and grow in the wisdom she passed on from her own life. Thank you for sharing this.
Thanks for your thoughtful comments Michelle. The memory of parents who have passed on can really be positive when we focus on the valuable lessons that they taught us. We, too, have the opportunity to pass wisdom on to others first by our example and then by sharing about our personal growth journey, both the highs and the lows. The journey is indeed a rewarding one.
Hi Tyrone,
God definitely is all. Your thoughts and words are much appreciated. numbering my days…….
Thank you Susan. When we number our days, we tend to make each day more purposeful which ultimately adds value both to our lives and to those that we serve.
Thanks for sharing these thoughts Tyrone. I am finding that silent moments like you describe at the cemetery help us have a better perspective of eternity and that we have to slow down to number our days. Congrats on the website and the blog..keep it going!
Thank you Courtney. It has become so difficult to slow down and be still with all that is thrown at us every day. Yet, 2019 has been one of those years where the loss of close friends and family has made me rethink what really matters.
Thanks Tyrone.Teach us to number our days .
Such great gain in having a heat that is humble and teachable thank .
You are most welcome Natalie.