We use punctuation marks in written text to help us communicate. Among these is the humble dash—yes, I’ve just used one here. A dash is nothing more than a short horizontal line. Rarely does it stand alone, as by itself it has little meaning. Instead, it is generally bounded by two thoughts or ideas. It introduces a pause as we pass from one thought to the next, allowing us a split second to process what we are reading.
The dash sometimes separates two numbers to represent a range in between them. It is used to divide notable dates in history, and in such instances it may be etched in stone such as granite or marble—a significance given to almost no other mark of punctuation. We see this sequence on virtually every tombstone: two dates separated by a dash. But the fact is, few of us pay attention to the dash between the numbers because we give emphasis instead to the dates on either side. That little unassuming line between the dates that seems only to be utilitarian, but it is by no means insignificant.
Imagine now, if you will, your own tombstone with your birth year followed by a dash. There is yet to be inscribed a date of passing from this life. There is no certainty as to what that yet-to-be-etched date on the right shall be—only that it will one day be there for your survivors to observe.
And now, in your mind’s eye, look at that dash on your tombstone. Indeed, that tiny and unremarkable speck represents the totality of your living, breathing existence here on this rock we call earth. Everything for which God created you to be and to do on this earth happens within the space of that inch or two of etched stone. The fact that you are reading this now means that you are alive and still within the dash. And what a time to be alive! Your story is still being written; your purpose is yet to be fully accomplished. What matters now is that fragment of your dash that yet remains.
As we seek to fulfill Jesus’ Great Commission, let us encourage one another, share resources, and work together intently to raise up new generations of faithful disciples. May He use us mightily to do His great work in the time we have remaining, and all for His glory.
Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance. It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.
Colossians 3.23–24
