That I May Gain a Heart of Wisdom

Today I would like to say a special word of thanks to those of you who have supported the Dial Hope Foundation with a financial donation. Your gifts make this ministry possible!

Years ago Erma Bombeck wrote about two very different times in her husband’s life: The first was back when their children were young. Her husband would stand and look out the back window, surveying the backyard. He would sigh as he lamented the muddy patches where the lawn should be. And he would wonder out loud, “Will the grass ever come back?” And then much later when the children were grown and gone, her husband would stand and stare out that same window, looking over the beautiful green lawn, immaculate from lack of use. And he would wonder out loud, “Will the children ever come back?”

It goes by fast. What a powerful reminder that we don’t have forever. Live moves on. Things change. But in the short time we are here, we do have the opportunity to build on a foundation of something good; something meaningful, worthwhile; something that has eternal significance. 

The Psalmist once prayed, “Teach me to number my days that I may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12). I think this means at least in part, that when we remember that life is short, we are more apt to spend our time in ways that bring meaning and hope to ourselves and to others. And, we are more likely to value, appreciate and care for those dearest to us. May it be so. 

Let us pray: God of Hope, as we reflect on the changes in our lives, the people we love who have come and gone, and on those who are with us today, we give you thanks. Help us to cherish our time with them. In life and in death we belong to you. Grant us the courage to trust you so completely that we are free to live life to its fullest today. There is so much that we don’t know. But, we do know that you hold the future and that you hold us. Amen.