We attended my husband’s 45th high school reunion this weekend. Whew, those years sure flew by fast!
We both grew up in the same small Oklahoma town. Both of our parents have passed and are buried in cemeteries just a few short miles from each other. While we were back in town, we took the opportunity to visit their gravesites. This ritual of remembrance is important, though we don’t do it nearly as often since we no longer live nearby. It’s a chance to reflect, appreciate the connection to our past with all its beautiful memories, and shape our view of the future and future generations.
As we wandered through the rows of headstones—some ornate, some simple—decorated with fresh flowers or left unkempt, it made us pause and ponder the meaning of life. Yet, despite the differences, every headstone follows the same pattern: a date of birth, a date of death, and a dash in between. What did each person accomplish during that dash? Were they loved, and did they love in return? Were they wealthy and famous by the world’s standards, or did they live a life of obscurity known only to a few friends and family? Did they accomplish the dreams they had for their lives, or did disappointments and circumstances cut those goals short? James 4:14 tells us that our life is a vapor—here today and gone tomorrow.
The philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, once said, “Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” Wouldn’t life be simpler if we could live it backwards with the wisdom and experience we’ve gained over the years?
In moments like these, my heart is drawn to the book of Psalms for a godly perspective.
“Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.” (Psalm 39:5). “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
Wisdom! That’s what we need. Hopefully, the years we have walked through, with all their successes and failures, have brought us wisdom.
A life well-lived must be centered around worshipping God. He’s the only reason we live, but oh, what a reason!
Acts 17:27-28 NIV: “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us. For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’”
Prayer: As we live out our “dash,” Lord, help us deepen our relationship with You through worship, show love and concern for others through fellowship, be good examples of true Christian living through discipleship, give back through ministry, and share the gospel through evangelism. As we walk in purpose, Jesus, let our lives resonate with Your love and passion, propelling us into action. Remind us that each of us has a unique gift to offer the world and that You created us to make a difference.
So, my sister, how are you using YOUR dash?
