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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD
Encountering an extraordinary God in ordinary life
Issue # 206 July 22, 2001
Grandfather Clocks
I’ve always been a fan of grandfather clocks, although I’ve never owned one. You know the ones, solid wood beauties as tall as you are. Well crafted and built to last many lifetimes.
Over the years we have had a delightful antique mantle clock and a cuckoo clock brought back from my son Kyle when he went on a mission trip to Europe.
We’ve also had the usual number of clock radios, electric wall clocks and cheap alarm clocks, but they are not the same.
There is something very comforting, for me, about the gentle, continuos ticking as the clock counts off the seconds. Even the mantle clock and cuckoo clock have a very comforting, resonating tick - tock.
It’s a sound that the other clocks we have owned never managed to quite duplicate. In fact the ticking of a tinny alarm clock is annoying rather than comforting.
I’ve heard a theory that people like the sound of clocks because it reminds them of the beating of their mothers heart, while they were in the womb. Perhaps there is some merit to that theory, but I look at it a little differently.
The solid tick tock of a well made clock reminds me of God’s constant presence in my life. If I’m stressed, and I close my eyes and listen, I can almost hear Him in the room.
Knowing He is always nearby gives me comfort when I am down and strength when I am weary. If I’m in a good mood, the reassurance of His presence only lifts my spirits higher.
Perhaps it is the comfort of knowing Him and knowing He is near that drives me to want to share Him with other people.
I see people who are hurting or living lives without joy and my heart aches for them. I know that comfort and joy is theirs for the asking.
Perhaps that is what Paul had in mind when he wrote to the church in Philippi
If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:1-4 NIV
Until next time, when you hear the gentle ticking of a clock, may you be reminded of His presence and grow in your desire to know Him and share His love with others.
God bless.
Kevin
If you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, but know you are in need of forgiveness, comfort and joy, please email me. I’ll share a few Bible verses that explain why a relationship with Him is important and a prayer that will make it possible.
© 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin
All Rights Reserved