Wisdom and grace and numbering days

Lots of great conversations on our short walk today. In the midst of them I was reminded of this song I love… Wisdom and Grace. You can listen to it here - https://youtu.be/T0JNlCaihnc

Here is the first part of the lyrics, based on Psalm 90.

Teach us to number our days
That we may apply our hearts to Your ways
Oh teach us to number our days
with wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace. Wisdom and grace, wisdom and grace

You've been our home and our dwelling
our place in all generations.
Before the earth or the mountains were formed,
Lord, You were God.

I love this idea of numbering my days, not in a gloomy way, at least most of the time not in a gloomy way! Mostly it makes me think of taking care of the days I have and using them well. Using them to apply my heart, my life, to the ways of God, the way of Love.

These days on Camino feel well spent as I focus on the physical challenge of the walk itself and the time for contemplation and conversation.

Numbering my days reminds me of Mary Oliver’s encouragement to consider this question from her poem The Summer Day…

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?

How to hold this question lightly is the challenge, for it not to become another burden, or pressure or responsibility? For the numbering of days not to turn into a checklist of tasks to be accomplished, but instead a gentle nudge and encouragement to pay attention and be present. Maybe that’s where the wisdom and grace comes into play.

Maybe like this sweet little bird we saw today, balancing on a thin branch. Holding tight, when needed, then letting go. Numbering my days, with wisdom and grace. May it be so.