A few weeks ago, I performed a wedding for a couple I didn’t know until a few days before the wedding. A wedding planner I know referred this couple to me. The bride and groom are from one of my favorite parts of the world, Vancouver, BC. I normally don’t perform weddings of people I don’t know, but I felt God’s leading to do it. And I am so glad that I did. In the few hours of getting to know them, I was so blessed. Believe it or not, I really felt a love for the both of them. They’re a really special couple. After the wedding, as I said goodbye to them, I was actually a bit sad thinking I might not ever see them again. God willing, we will keep in touch and maybe cross paths in the future. I sure hope so. One of the blessings of FB, I guess.

As I drove away, I thought back on my wedding, 34 years ago. I could remember it vividly. The joy. The thrill of seeing Jo walk down that aisle. Getting choked up while reciting my vows. It was a great day. I thought how quickly time has flown by. Where will I be 34 years from now? Most likely in heaven with my Savior. But if the next 34 years go as quickly as the past 34, all I can say is “Wow, it’s going to go by faster than I can imagine!”

That thought dominated my thinking for a bit and a few days ago, as I prayed, these words just tumbled out of my mouth as I wrote in my journal, “Father, make my life count for something in the next ten years. Make this the most powerful decade of my life! Cleanse me. Teach me. Prepare me and use me for your glory!” Can you imagine that? What was I thinking? But you know what? I meant it from the depth of my soul. I will be entering the sixth decade of my life next year. I realized that this is a year of preparation for the next decade. It began to dawn on me that no wonder God has been leading me to really and truly learn to abide in Christ. I’m to be prepared for what lies ahead. More than getting senior discounts around town, there’s a call that God wants me to answer. Needless to say, I was very excited and yet sobered by the seriousness of my prayer. As I continued to pray, I grew in my conviction and desire to see that happen. Then I felt prompted to a verse I used to pray often.

“Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

Psalm 90:12

“Yes Father, teach me to number my days, that I may gain a heart of wisdom. That I may walk in your call and destiny for my life. That my life will count for something in the next decade. That my life would bring you glory.” And I realized that it starts with truly abiding in Christ. The fact that God has been leading me in this way, encourages me that I am on the right track. That God indeed wants me to number my days and make my life count for something in the next 10 years.

As I look around at all the craziness in the world right now, that desire grows even stronger in my heart. It grows because I know that the only answer to all this madness is Jesus. That is how my life will count for something. Sharing the love and person of our amazing and wonderful Jesus with everyone around me and spurring others on to do the same. That would make life worth living. That would make my life count for something.

Teach me to number my days, that I may gain a heart of wisdom and make my life count for something.  Another step…