That Dash

Like me, maybe you are one of those who occasionally ponder life and its mysteries. You may have discovered that life is an interesting journey – to say the least. Years ago, one of my college professors shared the poem, ‘The Dash’ with us. It stuck with me and I have read and shared it with others quite often. I find it gives perspective especially when the ebbs and flows of life get us into a tangled mess. We have predetermined number of days whether or not we believe this. The time between birth and death [that dash] is gifted to us. We get to choose if we’d like to squander it on useless mindless wrangling that suck our energy or use it purposefully. We get to bless this world with the gift of ‘me’ or be a liability in the spaces where God positioned us. Choose wisely – our days are numbered.

Those of the Christian faith often see Lent as a time to reflect and make mindful adjustments. Cast off and put on as we are led by the spirit. I sometimes wonder if I’d like to know the day of my departure. How different would I live? Would my priorities be shifted much? What would I do with my time, resources, and the opportunities I have been given. It would make sense to start living my life this way now, wouldn’t it? Be careful how I spend my ‘dash’ – that space between my sunrise and sunset. I must have been placed here to be or do more than occupy space. The Architect who did this amazing design must have the answer to my presence here. I often ponder why as humans we seek to find the answers elsewhere, rather than sitting with the Divine Creator to have conversation. I found out He has always been waiting patiently. We have missed out on so much because we choose to seek validation and answers in all the wrong places.

This is just my Sunday morning ponderings. May it bless you but even more provoke you to think too.

LORD, let me know my life’s end
And to appreciate the extent of my days
To quiet the unnecessary
Ponder my wanderings
Put my excesses in check
Let me know how frail I am
That I am nothing without You
You are my beginning
And my end
How transient is my stay here
That I will not love this world as my home
When challenged
May I view my moments
In light of eternity

‘Inspired by Psalm 39:4’

“Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air]. (James 4:14 AMP)

****My reflections during Lent.