One
of the great theologians of the 20th century, Erma Bombeck,
had this to say:
"Wisdom of Heart"by Richard Meyer |
to invite small groups to love one another, encourage one another, bear one another's burdens, & pray for one another. |
One
of the great theologians of the 20th century, Erma Bombeck,
had this to say:
If I had my life to live over:Erma's list of "do-overs" strikes a responsive chord with me. Like many, I have a tendency to confuse the "pressing" with the "important" things of life. I cannot count the number of family dinners and children's activities I missed attending committee meetings or making hospital calls. If I had it to do over, I would have given my wife and children more time and the church less time. I would have tried to please fewer people and focus on pleasing those I value the most. I would have worked less and played more. I would have been more affirming to the people around me - my staff, my family, my friends - and not be so embarrassed by such expressions of emotion. I would have worried less and prayed more.I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained and the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the "good" living room and worried much less about the dirt on the light carpeting when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would have never insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have sat on the lawn with my children and not worried about grass stains.
A Prayer for All Ages
The Psalmist prays, "Teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart." (Psalm 90:12)
I have been doing that lately - counting my days. For me, turning 50 was much more painful than turning 40. It probably had to do with two invitations I received a week after my 50th birthday. One was from a bank. They invited me to open a "silver" checking account. The brochure pictured a "silver-haired" couple on a brochure - smiling, of course. It read "Enjoy the rewards of maturity. Join our silver checking club."
The other invitation came from the American Association of Retired Persons. I learned that I didn't have to be retired to join. They told me a high percentage of their membership still work. The one requirement of membership was reaching the age of 50.
I turned down both invitations, but my hair is turning grey. I do think about retirement. My hearing is going in one ear - from all that loud rock and roll music I suppose - and, statistically, I have more years behind me than ahead of me. So, I find myself counting my days, and enjoying them more. Before age 50 it seemed as if I had an inexhaustible supply of days. After 50, I realize I do not.
Counting My Days
Making the most of my days involves three disciplines. First, I make it a point to relish each new day. The Psalmist said, "This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and by glad in it." (Psalm 118:24) Erma Bombeck said, "Seize every moment ... look at it and really see it ... live it ... and never give it back." They are right. Each day comes as a gift. Each day I get to interact with people. I get to learn new lessons. Each day God surprises me.
Second, I attempt to live in the present moment. I was criticized the other day for being an uncaring pastor. I didn't visit a particular person in the hospital. He felt neglected and his criticism stung, and I carried that into my next day. I was at lunch with my best friend, my wife. We were enjoying our meal. We shared hopes and dreams, and then yesterday's criticism pulled up a chair at our table. I had to catch myself. We did not need what happened a few days ago to ruin the moment.
Third, I give thanks at the end of the day for the lessons learned, the laughter shared, the tears shed, and the time spent with the people I love. My days may be fewer than they once were, but they are becoming fuller.
Lord, teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart. Amen.
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