So teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12—NIV)

Dates on the calendar marking the milestones of our pilgrimage serve to remind us of the passing of time. The first markers seem to move at a monolithic pace. Then they seem to quicken their step with every significant date passed. Birth, first tooth, first steps, first day in school, high school graduation, college graduation, first job, marriage, first child, and on the clock ticks.

Some say that the events feel like they pass at an ever quickening pace because of the way we perceive time. Vacations work that way. There are a finite number of days, the first day is always the longest and after you hit the midway point time seems to fly by.

Accordingly, Moses teaches us some excellent principles regarding our lifespan. A few verses before our text he says, "We finish our years like a sigh, the days of our lives are seventy years; and if by reason of strength they are eighty years, yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away." With wisdom we observe the mid-point of our allotment is at the age of 35. One quarter of our stewardship is right about high school graduation. Yikes!

These calculations are, of course, "rule of thumb." Our individual allotment may be longer, or may be shorter, in harmony with the Sovereign plan of God. Each human life is a stewardship granted by the Lord Who gave that life to us. Parents, Pastors, Sunday School teachers, educators, and spouses lend their loving influences in order that we may invest our lives utilizing the best of tools so that we may bring maximum glory to the Lord Who bought us with His own blood.

David puts it this way in Psalm 39:4, 7, "Lord, make me to know my end, and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am… And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You." The life you have given to your charge is fleeting and yet of what sublime meaning and value! It is not some lower form of life such as a plant or animal. Your life is a prolonged opportunity to get to know the Creator in His holiness, majesty, and love while experiencing the milestones of life.

Our text appears to make each milestone of life a significant appointment with God for each true believer. Let the calendar be your friend, numbering your days of sojourn so that you look upon each day, milestone or not, with an anticipation of recognizing the experiences God sends you of His grace. Be sure to include God in your celebrations of each milestone. God has extended this life to you, believer, it is for you to display its full meaning and His purpose. Remember to pass this wisdom along to others.