Teach Us To Number Our Days

...that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
So says Psalm 90 [that's the one that also says we may live to 70, or 80 if we are strong] Having recently passed the threescore-years-and-three mark, I am conscious I've been on the planet quite a long time. I hope I have gained some wisdom, and used most of my days wisely. I've had almost no teaching for the past month, so have been applying Jenny's Rule, keeping busy, rather than stressing about it.

Recently, a young man from Sweden died in Oman. Born Tim Bergling, he became Avicii -DJ, musician and producer. It was his song "The Nights" which was played 3 years ago, at the funeral of my dear friend Dawn. She was just 45, and had cancer. She loved this track
 …Went face to face with all our fears 
Learned our lessons through the tears 
Made memories we knew would never fade 
One day my father—he told me, 
"Son, don't let it slip away." 
He took me in his arms, I heard him say, 
"When you get older 
Your wild heart will live for younger days 
Think of me if ever you're afraid." 
He said, "One day you'll leave this world behind 
So live a life you will remember." 
My father told me when I was just a child 
These are the nights that never die 
My father told me…
The accompanying video shows Avicii, a young, energetic guy, enjoying every minute of life - but still returning to hug his Dad. My heart aches for Tim's family, who didn't expect to lose him so soon. He once said "When I die, I want to be remembered for the life I lived, not the money I made". In 1965, Pete Townsend wrote about his teenage angst and said "hope I die before I get old" - he is almost 73, and still with us!
Just lately I seem to have become aware of a number of parents, my age and younger, who have had to arrange the funerals of their children. That is so hard, so heart-breaking. To lose your parent is awful, but it is even worse when it is your child. May all those who mourn today be blessed and comforted, and surrounded by love and peace.
None of us knows how long we will be here - each new day is a gift. 

I am not proposing to take up bungee jumping or skateboarding any time soon. But I do like the way Peterson interprets Ps 90 in 'The Message'

Oh! Teach us to live well!  Teach us to live wisely and well!

Surprise us with love at daybreak; then we’ll skip and dance all the day long.

I'll be skipping off to church shortly!

Lord, thank you for the life that you give me, please help me to live it more abundantly.