Scripture: Psalm 90:12 – “So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.”
Did you there are only twenty-four more shopping days until Christmas? Better get moving. Did you know there are only thirty-one more days until the end of the year? If there is anything you need to do before the end of 2021, you should do it right now!
Those words are kind of stressful, aren’t they? Stress around time can be a big problem, especially at this time of year. Sometimes, personalities can clash around these issues. For example, I hate to be late or to miss out on things, but my kids hate to be rushed. Both of these cause stress, and sometimes can ruin whatever event we are rushing to participate in. The worry we have around time can make misery out of the hours that we should be using to find meaning and joy in this world.
And yet all the anxiety we have about our time and how we use it might seem like it is all for nothing. Since the 1940s, we have used the image of the rat race, an exhausting struggle that is both necessary for survival and yet completely unfulfilling. Sometimes, we need to get perspective to see what is really important, especially at this time of year.
Psalm 90 is all about time. It contrasts the eternity of God with the frailty of humanity. About God it says things like, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God,” and “For a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night.” Humans, on the other hand are weak. “The days of our life are seventy years, or perhaps eighty, if we are strong; even then their span is only toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.” Because humans are so ephemeral, the wrath of God can easily wipe us away.
But the psalm also sees purpose in our lives. It asks for God to, “Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, so that we may rejoice and be glad all our days,” and, “Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands.” It reminds us that we are frail and our time on earth is brief, but despite this we should still enjoy the time we have and have it count for something.
The best attitude when faced with time crunches, therefore, is to be patient and realistic. “So teach us to count our days that we may gain a wise heart.” Through this practice, we gain the perspective we need to see the big picture. Does all the struggle and stress we put ourselves through truly leads to happiness, or is it a fruitless rat race? Does the time we spend lead to empty pleasures or actions of love and justice that have enduring meaning?
In this Advent season, it might be useful to have an Advent calendar, maybe one with chocolate, or a Christmas chain like I used to have as a child. It helps us to count the days we have, not out of stress, but out of anticipation. Hopefully, we can use these devices to get the perspective we need to minimize our stress and maximize our joy.
Prayer: God, help us to see your love for us now and in every moment. Amen.
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