Life is brief. Make it matter.
We say “life is short” all the time, but the older we get, the more we understand that it truly is — our earthly life, anyway. Time marches on, especially when we aren’t paying attention. So what do we do? We have to make our life matter, but how? Have bigger plans? Work harder to do bigger things? Those things aren’t bad, but they have to be oriented correctly.
We must submit to the will of the only One who knows what we are doing here to be begin with. The one who created us with purpose and significance. And we must submit to His will for us constantly and consistently. Life is in fact short, but our eternity is forever.
Teach us to number our days,
that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)
Reflecting on the brevity of life really puts things into perspective. From my own experience, I’ve noticed that focusing on material achievements or constantly striving for 'bigger plans' often leaves a sense of emptiness. Instead, aligning with a higher purpose or God’s will brings a deeper fulfillment that transcends everyday struggles. One practical step I took was to start each day with a moment of reflection or prayer, asking for guidance in how to use my time meaningfully. This habit transformed how I approach daily tasks and long-term goals, turning even small actions into parts of a bigger, purposeful journey. The verse from Psalm 90:12, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom," resonates deeply—it reminds me that awareness of life's limited time fosters wisdom and prioritization. Moreover, recognizing that life is short but our eternity is forever changes how we face challenges and opportunities. Instead of fearing death or wasting energy on trivial matters, I try to submit consistently to what I believe is God’s will—trusting that this surrender leads to genuine peace and significance. This mindset helps me appreciate each moment, whether joyous or difficult, as part of a meaningful story. If you’re grappling with questions like "Why am I here?" or feeling the weight of life’s shortness, embracing purpose through faith can be a profound source of strength. It doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers immediately, but cultivating trust and submission to God's will enriches every step of the journey.
