An educated guess tells me we share a similar point of view.

As a kid, school most likely was a dreaded yet necessary function of everyday life. The lyrics are etched in my psyche.

“School days, school days good ol’e golden rule days. Reading and writing and arithmetic…blah, blah, blah.”

When the calendar announced that summer vacation had commenced a collective hooray could be heard across the landscape of academia as children stepped into their annual, but seasonal freedom.

However, when school was in session math was one of the, if not the primary, go to subjects to be learned.

As grade levels were achieved, the concept of a number line and its purpose was gradually introduced.

The teacher used a number line to demonstrate addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division questions as well as introducing the concept of negative numbers.

He or she would draw a horizontal line on the blackboard. The very center of the line would be labeled with a “0”. To the right of the “0”, would be listed the succeeding numbers at equal intervals (usually to 10).

To the left of the “0” a similar visual appeared but the numbers would be negative or less than “0”.

To the average elementary student the use of a number line most likely was confusing but it eventually made sense.

Upon high school or college graduation, number line applicability faded like a sunset dipping below the horizon.

Why is that?

I’d like to encourage you to clear the cobwebs of your memory and consider the reintroduction of a number line of sorts.

Allow me to elaborate.

Several years ago my wife and I had an appointment with a prayer counselor at our church to unpack some life issues we were experiencing.

A day or two before the meeting, I felt impressed (at the prodding of my wife) to create a time line of my life to chronicle my history as a means of making sure I remembered key events and dates if the questions arose when we met with our counselor friend.

I recall spending several hours on a Sunday afternoon completing this task. I listed things like date of birth, family milestones, schooling places and dates, when I met Jackie, our engagement and wedding, the birth of children, start dates and losses of employment, etc.

It was an exercise which eventually allowed me to go beyond the walls which confined me negatively and it was so liberating. It was a break in the clouds which let the light in.

However, at the time of constructing my time line it was sobering. Tears freely flowed down my cheeks. Some gentle. Some intense. Moments of joy were also interspersed.

As I typed, it was as if God the Father parked Himself next to me and was saying:

“I was present for every event and every turn of the page. I was with you then and I am with you now. Allow me to take the sorrows and turn them into joy for each and every moment is a thread in the tapestry I have woven called You.”

The same can be said for you. My guess is your life has not been all sunshine and rainbows.

You have had your moments where the moments may have had you. Whether you acknowledge it or not, He was and is with you.

No of us are immune to the trials of this life and we all experience momentary triumphs as well.

My prayer for you and for me is this:

“Help us to remember that our days are numbered, and help us to interpret our lives correctly. Set your wisdom deeply in our hearts so that we may accept your correction.” (Psalms 90:12 TPT)

Can I encourage you to try something?

Construct a time line of your life. Be intentional.

Take some quiet moments and sit down to list out those life events which are the threads in your tapestry.

If you need to cry, then by all means cry. If you find yourself chuckling, enjoy the memory as it is good medicine.

By all means let it be a healing exercise so your soul can breathe again.

We all get so busy and time flies by. Stop the train for some brief moments to record your history for yourself and for your posterity.

Remember that:

“…God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 NLT)

I hope and pray this encourages you. Until next time…blessings…Bruce