Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Good morning!
Show me, LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; Let me know how fleeting my life is. You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is nothing before You. Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure. Psalm 39:4-5 (NIV)
Back when we were young, my brother was obsessed with the crocodile from Peter Pan. In fact, he loved crocodiles of any kind. He wanted a real crocodile for Christmas. He was heartbroken when he got a stuffed animal croc instead. In the story of Peter Pan, the crocodile has swallowed a clock. In the Disney movie, the croc’s name is “Tick Tock”. Everywhere the croc goes, the clock ticks away. The croc pursues the evil Captain Hook (the pirate nemesis of Peter Pan) in the hopes of err… well, eating him. In an animated Disney movie, it’s cute.
In reality, it’s more serious. Captain Hook lives in Neverland, a magical land where age and time are no concern. He is free from time’s effects; he spends his time perpetually pirating and living it up. Yet the crocodile allegorically reminds him and in turn, us, that time pursues us all.
In Psalm 39, David asks God to remind him how fleeting life is. Do you have that awareness†? Do you feel as if, like Captain Hook, you’re running away from any reminder that your days truly are numbered?
This Sunday, we’ll continue talking about time management. As you go into the weekend, I invite you to pray the Psalm above as part of your devotional time. Ask God to keep you mindful that though the crocodile chases us all, HE is the one in control – the one who has graciously numbered our days.
In Christ,
Joe
P.S. If you’re looking for a delightful and family friendly movie, check out Finding Neverland – it’s one of my favorites.
