Every Day is a Gift (By Ricardo Avila Sr.)

“Teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom” Psalm 90

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We all want to grow wiser as we get older. Unfortunately, this may not always be our frame of mind. Many are chasing after the wind. Growing up in the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, and into the 21st century Americans focused on personal freedom. Pursuing the American dream of success and fame. People came to America thinking that the American way of life is about success, wealth, fame, and fortune. Not many were successful. Poverty was rampant and still is.

We never see the past coming up behind us because we are too busy working toward the future. Younger generations i.e., X, Y, Millennials, etc., take note, heed an old friend’s advice. Older people have much experience of life and its hardships, and you could gain much wisdom from them. Though many seniors still struggle for lack of wisdom or learning from mistakes. Nevertheless, an old friend may have many lessons to teach you about life.

An Old Friend Story: From Season 2 Episode 10 of West Wing: A guy is walking down the sidewalk, and he falls into a big hole. The walls are so steep he can’t get out. He yells out for help! A doctor passes by and hears him “Hey you! Can you help me?” The doctor writes down a prescription and throws it into the hole and moves on. The man continues to yell for help! A priest walks buy and hears him “Father I’m down in this hole can you help me?” The Priest writes down a prayer and throws it into the hole and moves on. Then his friend walks by and hears him yelling for help “Hey it’s me, can you help me out please!” So, his friend jumps into the hole. The friend yells out, are you stupid! What have you done? We are both in the hole now. His friend replies “Yes! But I have been down here before, and I know the way out.” Sometimes an older friend can help but you must listen. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Life is like grass. “The life of mortals is like grass” (Psalm103:15-18). It is like saying “Time flies by” and those of us in our late years of life may or may not realize this truth. I am today 66 years old. In six months, I will reach 67 years of life, if the Lord is willing. The average life span of an American is 70 to 80 years of life. Today I find myself praying (again), “Lord teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to your wisdom.” You are never too old to ask God for wisdom. Ask God for wisdom.

Life is too short to waste. Every day is a gift. Every hour, every minute, and every breath I take is a gift from above. Make each day count. Love more. Forgive more. Help more. Do good and not evil. Whenever you can. To whomever you can. For as long as you can. Fight evil with good. Life is too short to waste in anger, or jealousy, or in bitterness. God is love. Ask him today to fill your heart with his love, grace, and peace.