As we stepped beyond the front porch of our little mountain cabin tucked away in Van Buren County, the last light of the sun faded into twilight. A thin sliver of moon hung quietly in the sky, casting a gentle glow over the stillness of the evening. In that serene moment, a profound truth pressed upon my heart—the fleeting nature of life. Just like that fragile crescent in the vast night sky, our days are short and passing.
When seen through the lens of faith, this simple evening scene becomes a sacred reminder. Scripture speaks of our lives as a vapor, appearing for a moment before vanishing. It stirs a question in my soul: How am I spending the days I’ve been given?
A Call to Redeem the Time
Paul’s words to the Corinthians about serving the saints echo in my heart:
“Now concerning the collection for the saints: Do the same as I instructed the Galatian churches. On the first day of the week, each of you is to set something aside and save in keeping with how he is prospering, so that no collections will need to be made when I come.” – 1 Corinthians 16:1–2 (CSB)
This instruction was more than logistical—it was an invitation to be intentional, to think ahead, to use time and resources for eternal good. Paul constantly urged believers to invest in what lasts.
In Ephesians 5:15–16, he exhorts us:
“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise—making the most of the time, because the days are evil.”
The Greek word for “making the most” is exagorazō, meaning to redeem or buy back the time. It reminds us that time is a resource we cannot waste. Each day is a sacred trust.
Humility in Planning
The book of James speaks with sobering clarity:
“Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.’ Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes. Instead, you should say, ‘If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.’” – James 4:13–15 (CSB)
These verses don’t discourage planning—they call us to plan with humility, acknowledging God’s sovereignty over every moment. It’s not about abandoning dreams or productivity. It’s about surrendering them to the One who holds time in His hands.
Anchoring Our Days in God’s Purposes
Pastor Alistair Begg once said, “One of the distinguishing marks of the Christian worldview is the way in which we view the passing of time and the ordering of the events of life.” That rings especially true as the years move swiftly on. I find myself pausing more often—living, yes—but also deeply reflecting.
Intentionality has become a treasured word in this season of life. It means choosing to fill my days with purpose, to speak with meaning, and to serve with love. As a wife, mother, and grandmother, I’m learning that my legacy is not written in grand moments, but in the quiet, daily choices that reflect God’s heart.
This mindset mirrors Colossians 3:17:
“And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
When we understand that even the most ordinary acts—preparing a meal, speaking kindly, writing a note of encouragement—can be done in the name of Jesus, then no part of life is wasted.
Seasons by Design
None of our seasons arrive by accident. They come by His divine hand—each one a canvas for faith. A careless life drifts with the winds of chance, but an intentional life walks with the steady hand of God. When we trace His faithfulness in past seasons, we find courage for the ones still ahead.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us:
“There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven.”
Every season—joyful or sorrowful, busy or quiet—has a purpose. We do not walk through these days alone. God is present, writing His story through our faithfulness, our obedience, and even our weakness.
A Legacy of Wisdom
So I ask myself: What kind of legacy will I leave behind? Will it reflect the faith I profess? Will it inspire the next generation to walk wisely and trust deeply? The truth is, how we spend our days—these precious, passing days—matters. Deeply.
Psalm 90:12 offers this prayerful plea:
“So teach us to number our days,
That we may present to You a heart of wisdom.” – Psalm 90:12 (NASB)
To number our days is not to count them with anxiety—but to weigh them with reverence, knowing they are a gift from the Lord. A heart of wisdom sees each day as an opportunity to live by faith, honor God, and love others well.
Living the Legacy Now
Our legacy isn’t something we write only at the end of life—it’s being shaped right now. Each word we speak, each prayer we whisper, each act of kindness, each step of obedience—these are the threads woven into the tapestry of our lives.
“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9 (ESV)
May we continue, by God’s grace, to live with the end in mind—not out of fear, but with hope and purpose. May our lives be marked by intentional love, surrendered plans, and wise stewardship of time.
May God find us using our days wisely—each one a reflection of His glory, a witness to His grace, and a step closer to eternity.
Lord, teach me to number my days. Help me to live wisely, love fully, and walk humbly with You. May each moment count for eternity, and may my life reflect Your truth and grace. Amen.
Debbie Swindell 