The disciples were afraid to ask Jesus what He meant. For some reason, I got stuck on that today.

I don’t think they were afraid Jesus was going to get mad at them for asking. I wonder if they were just intimidated. I can understand that. If I were standing in front of someone I really respected and they told me something I didn’t understand, I might be afraid to ask too. I wouldn’t want to look dumb.

But when I really think about that, there is some pride in it. I am trying to make someone think I am something I’m not. I would rather look like I understand than admit that I don’t.

Then Ecclesiastes says that “man goes to his lasting home,” and the Psalm asks God to “teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart.”

That puts things in perspective for me. My days here are numbered. Eventually I return to God. How much of that time do I want to spend worrying about what somebody thinks of me or trying to look like I have it all figured out?

I know I struggle with pride and ego. Sometimes I even struggle to accept the graces God gives me because I am afraid I will become prideful or turn those gifts into something they are not. But maybe part of numbering my days is simply being grateful for what God gives me and using it the way He wants me to.

So my prayer today is pretty simple. Lord, teach me to number my days. Give me the wisdom to quit worrying so much about how I look to other people and just become who You want me to be. Help me receive Your grace with gratitude and use it to love the people You put in front of me.

What are we afraid to admit because we don’t want to look foolish?

I pray you get the graces you need today.

Keep up the good fight.

I’m praying for you. Please pray for me.

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 11:9–12:8 | Psalm 90:3-6, 12-14, 17 | Luke 9:43b-45