I remember sitting at my desk in that freezing-cold classroom. Two rows back; three rows across was where I sat, already waiting for recess to begin. I stared innocently toward the front of the room as my fifth grade teacher talked about all the things we had to look forward to in life. She continued talking for a really long time about everything from wearing deodorant to getting married, so I was pretty sure she had forgotten her lesson plan. But of all the things she mentioned that day, one thing stood out: college. One day, I would be in college. It was a concept so complex; so intangible to me, that I was sure it would never happen in a billion years. Besides, college was only for geniuses like Einstein. I just could not imagine myself surviving something so monumental as an extended education, let alone the fifth grade.
I received an e-mail yesterday about going to a senior class meeting. Apparently, according to that e-mail, I only have 17,107,200 seconds, or better said, 198 days left until I graduate with my BA. Time has definitely flown by. As I read those numbers, I thought back to that classroom; that speech; that moment in time when I thought my future was lightyears away. Then, a verse popped into my mind: "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." I discovered that verse on a chocolate bar. When I was a senior in high-school, my mom surprised me with a box full of graduation invitation candy bars. On every label was a picture of me, directions to my graduation, and Psalm 90:12. It has been one of my favorite verses ever since.
At this moment, I only have 197 days left in college. That little e-mail was a big reminder: Life is short. I have no choice but to soak in what I learn in every class, savor the joy of every activity, and cherish every little moment spent with friends and family. Those future plans that seem like they will never happen are sure to happen soon enough. For now it's time to start living. My days are numbered.
*This post completed for a class: JRN371
