28 April 2010 Devotion for Today "The Dash" Genesis 25: 7-11

^{7 This is the sum of the years of Abraham's life which he lived: one hundred and seventy-five years. 8 Then Abraham breathed his last and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. 9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, 10 the field which Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. There Abraham was buried, and Sarah his wife. 11 And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi. (Genesis 25:7-11)}

 
 

We read in this passage about the death of Abraham, a man who walked with God and accomplished many things in his life. Abraham was promised a blessing and is a testament to the faithfulness of God and the trust that Abraham had in Him.

 
 

There are three things that we have in common with the Patriarch.

Poet Linda Ellis wrote this poem that summarizes the extent of all our years.

 
 

I read of a reverend who stood to speak

at the funeral of his friend.

He referred to the dates on her tombstone

from the beginning...to the end.

 
 

He noted that first came the date of her birth

and spoke of the following date with tears,

but he said what mattered most of all

was the dash between those years.

 
 

For that dash represents all the time

that she spent alive on earth…

and now only those who loved her

know what that little line is worth.

 
 

For it matters not, how much we own;

the cars…the house…the cash.

What matters is how we live and love

and how we spend our dash.

 
 

So think about this long and hard…

are there things you'd like to change?

For you never know how much time is left.

(You could be at "dash mid-range.")

 
 

If we could just slow down enough

to consider what's true and real,

and always try to understand

the way other people feel.

 
 

And be less quick to anger,

and show appreciation more

and love the people in our lives

like we've never loved before.

 
 

If we treat each other with respect,

and more often wear a smile…

remembering that this special dash

might only last a little while.

 
 

So, when your eulogy's being read

with your life's actions to rehash...

would you be proud of the things they say

about how you spent your dash?

 
 

Prayer: Dear God I pray that You will help me to consider that what I am doing right now falls within the realm of "the dash." Does it glorify You?

 
 

Have a blessed day!