Numbering Our Days

I remember that my days are ultimately in His hands.

By: Ansley Bonaventure, Middle School Principal

It’s finally here … September! August has felt like an eternity, not in a dreadful way, but because it somehow contained so many seasons: the last lazy days of summer, the excitement and preparation for school, the return of routines, and the full rhythm of afternoons and evenings filled with activities. August felt like several months rolled into one!

So, welcome, September! We are grateful for a new month and new things to look forward to: settling into school, cooler temperatures, and the official beginning of fall. A new month is a welcome opportunity to begin again.

Plan Faithfully

With the turn of the calendar, how can we best enjoy this gift? One way is to prepare. Psalm 90:12 reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” For me, numbering my days often looks like a “calendar dump,” setting aside time to look ahead, compare calendars, pray over our commitments, and ask, “Lord, how can we best use our time? Where can we create more margin? What can we take off? Where can we say no?” I pray not only over the activities on the calendar but also over the people we will encounter. And, I intentionally schedule margin or making space to do nothing. Most importantly, I remember that my days are ultimately in His hands: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purposes that prevail” (Proverbs 19:21). We can plan faithfully while holding our calendars with open hands.

Remember & Give Thanks

It is also good to look back. At the end of a month, we can notice the ways the Lord redirected our plans; perhaps a canceled lunch created unexpected rest, or an unplanned need gave us an opportunity to serve. Luke 17 reminds us of the importance of returning to give thanks. After Jesus healed ten lepers, only one came back to thank Him. Let’s be the one who not only plans but remembers, looking back and thanking God for the ways His plans were better than our own.

Intentionality over Intensity

At our campus meeting last week, Brendon challenged us to trade our intensity for intentionality. I’ve continued to think about that distinction. Intensity often comes when emotions and demands are big; intentionality comes when we deliberately carve out time to plan, prioritize, and create space for what matters most.

May your September be marked by intentionality. Take a moment to look back at the gigantic month of August and thank the Lord for the ways He carried you through, including the unexpected. Then, carve out some time to look ahead and prayerfully consider this new month. He has good plans for it - both the ones we know and the ones we don’t. Enjoy planning, dreaming, and giving Him “all of your days.”