A blessing is given and not necessarily deserved.
It is received out of the unconditional love of God for us. A blessing is extended to all God’s creation regardless of creed or faith. For instance, the second we regain consciousness from sleep is a blessing. Waking up is beyond our control. Several people go to bed and never wake up – not even with the help of an alarm clock.
On the other hand, a gift is added to the blessing. The minutes that grow into the days, months, and years are summed up as life and considered gifts that have been added to our daily blessings. In the course of the life of each individual, God has a plan. What we choose to do with those gifts and plans is what determines the direction of our salvation.
This piece is written from the perspective of gratitude to God, numbering our days here on earth and the need to be accountable for our actions and inactions. I believe we will derive greater satisfaction and contentment with the realization that the gift of life is undeserved. We are alive not because we are any better than the next person, but by the grace and mercy of God that are bestowed on us every morning. Ordinarily, we give gifts to people we value. It’s the same way with God. The gift of life is as a result of the value He places on us.
Most times, we do not appreciate this because we lean on our understanding to navigate the complexities of life. We take life for granted and carry on like we are in control. There is also the general belief that we are on earth for a mighty long time. The Psalmist is quick to remind us that holding this mindset is risky, brings about complacency and makes us toy with eternity. The verses in Psalm 90 narrates how God dealt with Israel back in the day when He judged the people for falling short of His commandments.
“8 You have set our iniquities before You, Our secret sins in the light of Your countenance.
9 For all our days have passed away in Your wrath; We finish our years like a sigh.
10 The days of our lives are seventy years; And if by reason of strength they are eighty years, Yet their boast is only labor and sorrow; For it is soon cut off, and we fly away.
11 Who knows the power of Your anger? For as the fear of You, so is Your wrath.
12 So teach us to number our days: That we may gain a heart of wisdom.”
– Psalm 90:8-12
The same narrative can be applied to us today. We are sinners and generally, people live between 70-80 years. That is not a long time considering what is promised in heaven. What are we doing to account for these years? Are we living right and are we living a life of gratitude for each minute that is added? To answer these questions, we must seek God’s face and ask that He teaches us to number our days so we can live right. Getting results will mean obedience and developing a discerning spirit borne out of total submission to Him.
There is so much distraction and confusion in the world these days that it is no doubt a difficult terrain to navigate. Steve Harvey likened life to a jigsaw puzzle. He says to God in your jigsaw puzzle. That He will not only help complete the puzzle; He will add some missing pieces, He will add some favor and mercy and you’ll see that the picture you end up with will be different from when you attempt to build one by yourself. It will be complete and more beautiful.
I agree with him and the Psalmist. Life on planet earth is fleeting. We are better off leaning entirely on God, who created us, appreciating every minute added and numbering every day thereof with sincere gratitude.