I'm not a mathematician by trade, but lately I've been doing a lot of counting. And I do mean a lot! At work, I count the number of hours until quitting time. On Mondays, I count the number of days until the weekend. When balancing my checkbook, I make sure it's accurate right down to the penny. And when it comes to vitamins, I'm aware of how many milligrams I should be taking for daily calcium.
On March 31, 1999, I started walking every day. I decided not to renew my membership at the local fitness center and wanted to continue some type of exercise in my daily routine, so I chose walking. It's about 1, 137 days later, and I'm still going.
The other day, I sent my friend a card that said "Happy 30 and one half birthday." She called me the day she received it and just about bust a gut as she thanked me for the reminder. Before you think I was a bit cruel, please note that I am and always will be five years older than my friend. They say there's a fine line between laughing and crying. I prefer to stay on the side of the laugh lines as much as possible.
I'm not only the only one counting my days. I just received an e-mail from a friend who's becoming a first-time homeowner and is anticipating the completion of her new home in 120 days.
Here's another number to throw around for kicks: 5,724 days. Any guesses? Starting at age 20, if I'd been counting the days I'd be single and still waiting to get married, well, it would be around that figure. No worries, though, because I've learned to appreciate what life is teaching me in the waiting process.
Before you think I've become a fanatic about keeping track of numbers, pay close attention to Psalm 90:12, "So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom."
I'd like to think counting my days teaches me the art of living in the moment. Too many times I focus on what I hope tomorrow may bring (like a husband!) instead of enjoying what today has to offer.
I like the way Christian recording artist Chris Rice put it in one of his songs, "Teach us to count the days, teach us to make the days count. Lead us in better ways. Somehow our soul's forgot … life means so much."
I couldn't have said it better myself. So, get counting. Today is day one.
Blessings!
Deanna Moore
