21,004 Days. And Counting.

From a great homily by Father Jim Scherer, at St. Paul the Apostle in Greensboro … he talked in wonder about his life and the fact that he had lived 26,000 days. It struck me that most of us have never realized what our own number is.

There are lots of thoughts and ideas out there relating to days. Seize the day. Oh happy day. It’s a brand new day. Take it one day at a time. There are likely many many more.

So I calculated today that I have lived a total of 21,004 days on this earth. That seems amazing to me, when you look back at it that way. As Father Scherer said, it is indeed a wonder to look at, for any of us. I’m sure even young adults looking at their total would be surprised.

I look at that total of 21,004 and it says a lot to me. I think of the days of fun, of water and sun and our kids happy in ocean waves and in snow. I think of the wasted days being unhappy or mad at someone. I think of the days with family during holidays, early days with Norma and Aby and my siblings, other days with the Doc and Pat and my new family. I think of the days spent anxious, in fear of things that never happened. I think of days walking the quads at Notre Dame, not fully realizing how special those were. I think of 4 months of dark days in depression, and how only my wife and Jesus helped me through those … I think too of the first 5 days I spent recovering with the help of professionals. I think of the days spent on the soccer sidelines or stands, on the beaches and in the mountains, with family and with friends. I think of the days spent in Boston and Buenos Aires, in Valparaiso and Washington, in Minneapolis and South Bend. And especially in Greensboro. So many memories, so many days.

Every day is a blessing, a miracle really. I don’t think about that often enough. We are granted just so many days and then, our time here is up. Am I doing all I can to fulfill my purpose, every day? Am I doing everything I can to create a positive legacy, every day? Is my every day in some way adding to the world, even if it’s just my corner of it?

There is a quote I saw that said “Make the most of your day … those that have passed on would do anything to have the time you have right now.” I understand that better now, as I think about that homily. Today I thank God for every day He has granted and those He will grant me still.