Number Our Days: The Gift of Today – 75 Years, If You’re Lucky
I turned 54 this year. I told Trey, my 20‑year‑old—who loves math—that if we look at life like a simple equation, the numbers whisper something holy.
Maybe you’ve seen the Eddie Murphy clip where his character says we get “75 years if you’re lucky.” That line doesn’t scare me—it wakes me. When we number our days, we learn how to truly live them.
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12
The math that makes it real
Anchored to September 23, 2025 (my 54th year today):
- From 54 to 75: 21 summers and 21 Christmases (about 7,670 days / 1,095 weeks).
- If the Lord gives me 90: 36 summers and 36 Christmases (about 13,149 days / 1,878 weeks).
- For a 20‑year‑old: 55 summers and 55 Christmases until 75.
Why this matters
- Psalm 90:12 — Numbering our days grows wise hearts.
- Ephesians 5:15–16 — Make the most of every opportunity.
- James 4:14 — Life is a mist; time is brief.
- Matthew 6:28–34 — Consider the lilies; release worry.
- Romans 12:18 — As far as it depends on you, live at peace.
From a children’s author’s heart
I get to inspire children—and the young at heart in all of us. Children naturally look ahead; their peace, joy, and curiosity are bright teachers. Don’t squander your days. When we look back, what a waste it is to spend our time on the wrong things. We have today—enjoy God’s nature; enjoy being present with the ones you love and the ones who love you. You belong.
Three tiny practices
- Notice one thing of beauty (one flower, one smile, one sky).
- Trade one argument for a prayer for peace.
- Do one loving act for family or neighbor.
“Seventy‑five years—that’s how much time you get if you’re lucky.”
Summary (what he says in the clip): Eddie Murphy’s character “G” reflects that if we live 75 years, that’s 75 winters, springtimes, summers, and autumns—not a lot of time. He urges us not to waste our years in the rat race or superficial pursuits, but to return to what matters right now—to be present, love more, and use the time we’re given with intention.
Note: I can’t include the full word‑for‑word transcript here due to copyright, but the summary above captures the heart of the monologue for your readers.
Family idea: the 75‑Year Jar
Put 75 marbles in a jar for the summers of a lifetime. Each year, move one to a “memory bowl” and thank God for what He gave. Talk about how you’ll use the next summer—on purpose.
Where this began:
I started thinking this way when I was 14. My mom worked minimum wage as a nurse’s aide at a convalescent center, and my sister Ruth and I rode with her to work and volunteered 30+ hours a week. We sat beside men and women in their 80s, 90s, and even 100s—often the ones with no visitors. We played bingo, kept company, helped in the cafeteria at lunchtime, and Ruth would often help my mom change beds and linens. We saw dying up close, and we also saw how a simple presence restores dignity. Back then we never counted the cost of time; it was simply our way to be together. Those hours formed my heart and still shape my calling as a children’s author—to inspire the young at heart in all of us to spend our days on what matters: faith, family, kindness, and being fully present.
Breath prayer for today
Inhale: “Teach us to number our days…”
Exhale: “…and give us a heart of wisdom.”
Closing prayer
Lord, thank You for today—the day You have made. Teach us to number our days with wisdom. Help us trade worry for wonder and petty for peace. Show us one person to love, one moment to savor, and one step of faith to take. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
With love,
Writer, Memory Keeper, Lisa Caprelli
loveinhisimage.com
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Paste your birthdate here and see the days left to your 75th birthday:
https://www.timeanddate.com/clocks/freecountdown.html