When the Days Feel Scarce

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A few years ago, a friend gave me a “One Line a Day” journal. It’s a five-year journal that has a page dedicated to each day of the year, and each day has five sections. You have space to write one line about that day. As the years go by (I am on year three), you can look back to see what happened on that day in previous years.

When I worked in retail pharmacy, I often observed that people believe that whatever season they happen to be in is the most difficult. I still believe this is true. The problems we survived seem smaller in hindsight, and we can’t feel the weight of things we haven’t endured. I can know in theory that caring for an aging parent is difficult, but I can’t feel it until I’ve gone through it.

I don’t know that the difficulties of midlife are really any harder than those of my younger years. Economic uncertainty, the work of establishing new careers, and the exhaustion of raising young children are challenging times. I do think, however, that time seems to go faster these days. The challenges of 2023 don’t feel like that long ago. The trials may not be stacking up any faster, but each seems to come right on the heels of the last one.

Many Bible reading plans schedule Psalm 90 for December 31:

Teach us to number our days so we may have a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)

You only count things when you feel their scarcity. The days are going faster than ever, and I don’t think that perception is going to change.

The New Year is shaping up to be one of change for me. I am excited about the possibilities, yet sad to say goodbye to a season that I truly loved. I also know that life can change in a heartbeat. I have the same resolutions to take better care of my physical body, but the purpose is shifting. How can I walk faithfully in this season?

May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us;

Establish the work of our hands for us—

Yes, establish the work of our hands. (Psalm 90:17)

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