A Reading
“All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
(John 14: 25-27)
A Thought
My grandparents lived in the bungalow that my grandfather built. Throughout my childhood and beyond, whenever I visited my grandparents, I found myself appreciating the wall clock. It hung in their lounge, where the coal fire roared, and the glow from the fire was reflected onto the pendulum. The rhythmic tick-tock was always audible during pauses in conversation. The clock was never repositioned, and so was always in the same place whenever I visited.
When my grandparents passed, and expressions of interest were invited, I was pleased that no one else had interest in the clock. It now hangs on the wall in our lounge, the room where I typically retire for peace and quiet. The room has an open fire, which is lit occasionally to great appreciation. The clock has never been repositioned, being removed only for redecoration of the wall behind.
The clock holds memories of family that welcomed me with love, and which never sought to judge. From a young age I recognised where to find them, whether I was being driven as a child or driving myself as an adult with motorcycle or car.
The clock requires rewinding every seventh day. If I forget to wind the clock, it stops. I go to church every seventh day, to seek freedom from my remorse, and to rekindle my faith amongst the company of other Christians. If I miss church for any reason, I feel flat.
The clock’s rhythmic tick-tock is constant, unflustered therapy for the challenges that life brings. The ticking reminds me of the peace of God. It too is a constant in a broken world, always there when you take time to seek it out and listen. Calming, loving, unconditional.
The chime is a single strike on the hour. Its melodious tone interrupts the beating pendulum to hang in the air so that you notice it. It is a call to action – a reminder that time passes and there are things that still need to be done.
The clock resonates with much of what I have come to value.
A Prayer (Numbers 6: 24-26)
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face towards you and give you peace.”
Amen