Third Day of Lent

I can’t get out of my head the comment that was made by the preacher at our Ash Wednesday worship service. He said, "Our days are numbered." He was talking about these 40 days as a time to reflect on Jesus’ last days because his days were numbered. And then he asked, "You do know that YOUR days are numbered?" I know he is correct, but I don’t like to think about my days being numbered. I just as soon continue to believe that this life of mine will go on forever (I know it won’t go on forever, but I’d sure like to think that it will. I prefer the state of denial.) And then this preacher said, "When people know their days are numbered, they get their lives in order." Of course, he was telling us that Lent is a good time to get our lives back on path and in sync with God.

But this "days being numbered" comment has stuck in my mind. Why? I’m not sure except it has taken me back to my illness last June. That meningitis and encephalitis sure caused me to come out of my state of denial about my mortality. It got me to thinking, but I am too quick to forget. I am too quick to let life get back in routine and forget what lessons have been learned.

Lord, keep my memory sharp with the lessons sent from you. My days are numbered (I hope there are many zeros on the number), and I desire to get my life in proper order. I am watching for what you would have me do to be ready. Help me not to think I have arrived until I arrive with you someday. This day, February 19, 2010, will never be again. I do want to make the most of it. And I do want you to make the most of it in me. I am willing because my days are numbered. I am on my way out of the state of denial.