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“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

We often measure our lives by careers, possessions, bank accounts, social circles, marital status – I think you get the picture.  Today’s world evolves around purpose, performance and accomplishments – not necessarily what we are accomplishing – but that we are doing.  Striving for the proverbial world’s view of success spins our little feet until they total wear out. And so most people as they age navigate to a slower lifestyle…a quieter resolve…until they leave this world.

Sitting and watching the sunset sounds enticing doesn’t it?  But what if we intentionally never gave up on our purpose – why God has ordained each of our days?

My husband’s sweet little aunt Emma probably never measured up to the world’s view of purpose or accomplishment.  She was single all of her life.  Her career as a school teacher and her modest home didn’t’ scream success. Yet her love for family, especially her nieces and nephews, didn’t go unnoticed.  Birthday cakes, prayers and phone calls characterized the influential impact Emma made on their lives.

Residing in an assisted living facility, Emma  prayed and searched for  her purpose in that season of life.  Did I fail to mention she was 95?  Her frail body had suffered several setbacks from broken bones, Covid, etc. life hadn’t been easy.  Yet despite her restraints and declining health, Emma longed for God’s purpose for the rest of her days.

Don’t know about you, but I often fail to think about God’s purpose because I’m so busy with my purpose.  Navigating and maneuvering my days seeking to fulfill what I desire in the moment.  And if I reach Emma’s 95 years of life, I would probably be content to simply watch the sunset.

Emma, however, saw purpose even in her aging body and mind.  If she was still here on this earth, then God had something He desired for her to do.  And isn’t it just like God to let Emma in on His purpose for her days.  Emma become an encourager and prayer warrior right there within the confines of her room.  She was serving those who served her and those who were residents with the gift of prayer. I can only imagine the smile on God’s face when she came to His throne interceding for those He brought into her path.

Sweet friends only God knows the number of our days.  How will we use those days to honor, serve and glorify Him until we step into His presence?  Even as our bodies age and begin to deteriorate, our voices are not silenced.  God can still use us in a powerful way to show His love, truth and grace to those we meet. Purpose is not a striving or doing but a listening to the Holy Spirit leading us every single day.

“Father, praising You for the testimony of Emma and how You used her in a powerful way to touch so many lives.  Trusting You to show us how to spend every one of our days for your glory.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life