Make Every Day Count!

"Teach us to number our days carefully so that we may develop wisdom in our hearts." — Psalm 90:12 (CSB)

I aim to make each day meaningful. How about you?

As I grow older, I often pray that the Lord will make my later years even more fruitful and fulfilling than my earlier ones. Terry and I both desire to finish the race well. We want our lives to count for Christ and for the people He has entrusted to us.

Because of that, life is full. Between family, church life, travel, ministry, and work, our schedules stay busy. But we have learned that busy and purposeful are not always the same. Amid the activity, we intentionally make room for one another and for the simple joys God has placed all around us.

Why Making Time Matters

In the rush of everyday life, it is easy to assume there will always be tomorrow. Yet the truth is, our days are gifts, and the moments we share with those we love are precious and limited.

Relationships rarely thrive by accident. They flourish when we choose to invest our time and attention. That's why it is important to intentionally set aside time for family and close friends rather than simply hoping we'll "get around to it."

Years from now, I doubt anyone will wish they had spent more time rushing. But I suspect many of us will wish we had slowed down long enough to enjoy the people God gave us.

The Joy Found in Simple Things

One of the sweetest lessons I've learned is that meaningful moments do not require elaborate plans or expensive adventures. Some of life's greatest joys are found in ordinary moments.

Terry and I love:

• Cooking a meal together and lingering over conversation.

• Taking walks and enjoying God's creation.

• Playing games (we are big fans of Rummy—with husband-and-wife rewards!).

• Reading books and enjoying a good movie.

• Simply sitting together and enjoying each other's company.

  
  

Recently, we celebrated our anniversary at home, treated ourselves to ice cream at a local shop, visited a beautiful lavender farm, and picked blueberries at a friend's. It was life-giving!

None of those experiences were extravagant, but each one brought joy. And perhaps that is the secret—we don't have to chase extraordinary moments when God has already filled ordinary days with extraordinary gifts.

Sometimes the greatest blessing is simply being present.

Just enjoying each other's presence.

Seriously.

It is a gift.

A Heart for Today

Sweet friend, who do you want to spend more time with?

What simple joy have you been putting off?

Maybe it's sharing a cup of coffee with a friend, taking a walk with your spouse, playing a game with your grandchildren, or making a phone call you've been meaning to make.

Whatever it is, make a plan and make it happen.

Life is too short not to love deeply, laugh often, and cherish the people God has placed in our lives. One day, you'll look back and realize that the little things were actually the big things.

And I think you'll be glad you made the time.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the gift of today. Help us not to rush through the moments You have given us. Teach us to number our days and to treasure the people You have placed in our lives. May we love well, live purposefully, and find joy in the simple blessings that surround us. Help us finish our race faithfully and leave behind a legacy of love and faith. In Jesus' name, Amen.