What Does "Teach Us to Number Our Days" Mean?

27 years ago yesterday, my dad passed away. Actually, it was Thursday, November 27, 1997...American Thanksgiving.

So I always associate this holiday with my dad's death. American Thanksgiving will always be the day my dad died.

Growing up I regularly saw my dad inject himself with insulin, because of his type 1 diabetes, and as it turned out complications from this disease is what ultimately took his life. He went into the hospital for day-surgery, but complications arose and he had to stay.

Because he was on home dialysis at the time, my mom and I had to go to the hospital with all the equipment, and carefully hook him up, while the medical staff stood around the room watching...it was surreal to say the least. It was 11pm, my mom was crying, and I was shaking as she talked me through the steps.

2 weeks later my dad was gone. He was 54.

It's hard to believe it's been 27 years now, and I know because it was the same year my son Alex was born.

I miss my dad and hardly a day goes by even now that I don't think about him. But what also hits home for me is that life is fragile. It is fleeting. And we have no idea how long we have.

At the time, no male on my dad's side, that I knew of, had lived past 54. I do have an uncle who is alive & well, living into his 80's. And I made it a priority that I would do whatever I could to make it to 54 and beyond.

I recently turned 59 and I'm as healthy as I've ever been in my life...but the reality is, I have no idea how long I have...how many days I have left.

So I want to make the most of them. I hope you do too.

"Don't count the days, make the days count." Muhammed Ali

The Bible says, "Teach us to number our days, that we would have a heart of wisdom." But that doesn't mean count the days you've already lived, rather, consider the days you have left, and like Ali said, make the most of them.

In my book, Vantage Point: Five Perspectives to Live a Better Story, one of the perspectives is looking ahead.

Start With The End in Mind

One way I do that is by considering how I want to be remembered. I've given much thought to what I would like my family and friends to say about me after I'm gone. This guides how I need to live to ensure that happens.

I've actually written out my eulogy; I put words down on paper that I hope will reflect who I am as a person, not only at the end of my life but all the days in-between.

It has helped me get clear on what my values, priorities and goals are and what choices and habits etc I need to practice in order to see that come to fruition.

So let me ask you...

Are you making the most of your days?

Or are you going through the motions, without direction or purpose?

What are you here for?

What are you best suited to accomplish in whatever time you have left on this planet?

If you're feeling stuck, I'm here to help, so pick up my book, or give me a call.

And to my American friends, Happy Thanksgiving!

And dad, I can't wait to see you again!