Calendars

Do you mark out the days on a calendar? I do! I print out a monthly calendar every single month, tape it to my cubicle wall and each and every morning I mark an "X" through the previous day. One by one the month seems to slip away.

I sat staring at my calendar this morning and looked all the Xs that line the days and I thought to myself...what did I accomplish this month? I haven't accomplished very much progress on my work I can tell you that right now. At home, I haven't accomplished much in the cleaning area and don't get me started on cleaning out my truck. I think I could live in that thing for a month and survive there is so much stuff in there.

But, what have I accomplished for the kingdom? I'm not real sure. As I sit here and think I wonder if marking Xs on calendars has always been something people do. I think about when Jesus died on the cross. What did people think, in the days following his crucifixion, when they looked at the X on their calendar? I'm thinking back to all the Xs on my calendar for February. What did those days mean? What did I accomplish in January? What if today is the day Jesus comes back? What will someone who is left behind think of the Xs on my calendar? Will I be the reason that this person is left behind?

"God, my shepherd! I don't need a thing. You have bedded me down in lush meadows, you find me quiet pools to drink from. True to your word, you let me catch my breath and send me in the right direction. Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid when you walk at my side. Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure. You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies. You revive my drooping head; my cup brims with blessing. Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I'm back home in the house of God for the rest of my life." Psalm 23 (MSG).