3-2-1, Toothpaste

I stood looking at my toothpaste, thinking about the empty tube I recently discarded. A strange time marker perhaps, but an incredibly tangible one as I emptied it gradually over the course of three months: so many delicious meals and delightful memories! In addition to my own daily reminder, this season abounds with countdowns. When will the snow arrive? Has Starbucks come out with their Christmas flavours? How many days left in school? The ever popular Advent calendar will soon be opening in many houses, not to mention wreathes in Churches. Then, we'll be counting down the seconds until the New Year.

As some people may know, I'm not particularly fond of countdowns. That's to say, I may run out of the room with my ears covered if someone mentions the number of days remaining before vacation. It creates an unease in me of things left undone. I can almost feel the time running through my fingers. Yet, I am called to count.

The Psalmist petitioned God, "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90:12). Time is precious. Measuring it, treasuring it can help us be wise while using it. Each day is a gift, a present. Here for a moment, soon it will be gone. Like toothpaste, you can't put back what you've already squeezed out. So, what do we do with our time?

Paul suggests that we follow the example of Christ by walking in the way of love (Ephesians 5:1-2, 15-17). We are to make the most of every opportunity, following God's will. Smile at the person you meet on the street. You've used your toothpaste, right? Take time to talk. Your breath is minty fresh. Give someone else the time of day. Jesus gave his whole life for you: spend it wisely. Appreciate the common place and look for glimpses of the divine. Share the good news of God's love and his desire that none should be lost (2 Peter 3:9). Pray, perhaps even while brushing your pearly whites. This day God has made will become a cause of rejoicing and you'll be anticipating what he has in store!