Yesterday, I visited our ancestral home and came across an old keyboard piano. It reminded me of my younger years—back when I used to play in church, for my family, and whenever I just wanted to relax and sing. There was a joy in those moments, a sense of calm and purpose that filled each note I played.
But as time went by, life got busier, and I stopped playing. The keyboard sat quietly, waiting, while I got swept up in the routine of daily responsibilities. Seeing it now, I felt a pang of nostalgia. It was as if the piano was reminding me of something I’d forgotten: the importance of savoring life’s moments, of making each day truly count.
This moment with the keyboard stirred something in me—a powerful realization. I remembered a phrase I’d come across: To make our days count, we need to number our days. In that instant, I felt the weight of those words. How often do we take our days for granted, assuming tomorrow will always come? How often do we overlook the small, precious moments right in front of us?
Counting Our Days: A Call to Number Your Days
When we talk about “numbering our days,” we’re not suggesting we obsess over each passing moment or live in fear of running out of time. Rather, it’s about cultivating an awareness of the preciousness of life. Imagine waking up each morning with the thought that today is a unique day—a day that will only come once. How would that change the way you approach it? Perhaps you’d call a loved one, pursue something you’ve put off, or simply take time to savor a sunrise.
The truth is, we often take our days for granted. Time is a constant presence, flowing without pause, and it’s easy to assume we’ll always have “tomorrow.” But when we start to number our days, we begin to appreciate each one as an opportunity to do something meaningful. We realize that every sunrise is a chance to embrace life fully.
Living with Focus: What Truly Matters
Counting our days encourages us to focus on what really matters. When we know our time is finite, our priorities shift. We become more intentional about the things we invest our energy in. Think about it—how many of us spend countless hours on things that don’t add value to our lives? Whether it’s mindless scrolling, worrying about minor problems, or striving for perfection, these distractions can fill our days without truly fulfilling us.
Imagine if, instead, we chose to spend our time nurturing relationships, pursuing passions, or simply enjoying the present moment. Numbering our days reminds us that life isn’t about perfection; it’s about presence. When we focus on what truly matters, we find joy in the simplest of things—a warm meal, a good conversation, a quiet moment of reflection.
Making Each Day Count: Small Steps Toward Purpose
So, how do we “make our days count”? Often, we think of purpose as something grand and elusive, but it’s really about small, consistent actions that align with our values. Making each day count doesn’t mean we have to climb mountains or change the world in a single day. It means living in a way that’s true to who we are and taking small steps toward what brings us joy and fulfillment.
Maybe for you, making today count means being kind to someone or reaching out to an old friend. Maybe it’s pursuing a passion, learning something new, or simply taking care of your health. Numbering our days doesn’t require extraordinary actions; it’s found in the way we live each day. When we take small steps toward a life that aligns with our values, we create meaning and purpose over time.
Balancing Awareness and Spontaneity
It’s important to remember that numbering our days isn’t about putting pressure on ourselves to do something “important” every day. Life is meant to be enjoyed, too. Sometimes, making a day count simply means embracing the beauty of the present moment, laughing with friends, or having a quiet day to recharge.
Counting our days should bring balance, not stress. It’s a gentle reminder to be mindful without feeling burdened by the passage of time. When we live with an awareness of life’s preciousness, we find joy in both the planned and the spontaneous, understanding that each day is a gift meant to be savored.
A Personal Challenge: Live with Intention Today
As we go through our days, let’s challenge ourselves to make each one count. Start with a small intention—something simple, like being grateful, showing kindness, or setting aside time for reflection. Each intention, no matter how small, adds meaning to our lives.
Remember, life doesn’t wait for us to feel ready. It’s happening now, in each moment we’re given. When we number our days, we embrace the beauty of the present, creating a life that’s not just busy but deeply fulfilling. And when we make each day count, we’re not just living life—we’re truly cherishing it.
So today, let’s live with intention. Let’s count our days and, in doing so, make each one a story worth telling. As we reflect on the significance of each moment, we’re reminded of the wisdom in Psalm 90:12: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This verse encourages us to embrace life’s fleeting nature with purpose and gratitude, seeking the wisdom that comes from valuing each day as a gift. May we carry this wisdom forward, making every day truly count.