“Lord, remind me how brief my time on earth will be. Remind me that my days are numbered, and that my life is fleeing away. My life is no longer than the width of my hand. An entire lifetime is just a moment to you; human existence is but a breath” (Psalm 39:4-5 NLT).
“But I said, “I have labored to no purpose; I have spent my strength in vain and for nothing. Yet what is due me is in the Lord’s hand, and my reward is with my God” (Isaiah 49:4 NIV).
About seven years ago I discovered the necessity of getting away with God at the end of the year. It helps me look back and consider how we did on that year’s goals and plans. It helps me get centered in the present and consider where I am now. And it helps me prepare to face the new year.
I’ve made taking an annual study/contemplative break part of my annual calendar. It’s kind of like being the first person walking on the beach early in the morning. You can see your footprints in the sand without the distraction of all the other tracks that accumulate during the day.
I think we all have a desire to see our own footprints, our own mark on this world. We all desire significance. It seems to be something that God has put in all of us, a kind of holy ambition to matter for something or to someone.
But then the waves come crashing ashore. A new day dawns. We rise to walk out and can find no evidence that we ever walked this way before. Where is the significance in this? What lasting impression have we made? Our lives are like a “breath.” We labor, but to what purpose?
As I walked along the shore this morning I asked God about this. “I’m getting up in years now you know, Lord. The first few times I ran down this beach I left deep, dangerous prints in the sand. Now, I’m a little slower, the prints are not as deep, but they are better defined. What does it matter? You will wash them all away during the night.”
Continuing down the windy coast, my hands in my pockets, my eyes on the horizon, I listened for the One who still speaks.
I sensed Him saying, “You’ve misunderstood. The waves aren’t washing your prints away. They are just offering you a fresh beach to walk on. Your significance is safe with Me. I’ve kept record of every moment of your life. Nothing is lost.”
The wind on my face now felt like His gentle touch. My reward is in His hand. I am free to walk or run on a fresh, new beach. He will keep the score.
I wonder what tracks we’ll leave in 2008?