The Mantle Clock

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. (2 Timothy 1:8-14 ESV). Many years ago we were given a Ship’s Mantle Clock. It chimes the hour and provides us with a wonderful reminder of past friends and great experiences. We also have a Grandfather Clock, though we have it silenced for the most part in our new home. It not only chimes the quarter hour, but plays a few seconds of Westminster Chimes every hour. While it is beautiful, that is a bit distracting! We can hear the pendulum swinging and the clock ticking each moment of the day in a quiet house. I am reminded of the simple truth that time keeps moving on. It stops for no man, no matter what position or influence you may have. There never seems to be enough time. No matter how good my intentions are at the beginning of the day, I find I run out of time long before I do projects and assignments. We just can’t find enough time. "Time in a Bottle" is a hit single by singer-songwriter Jim Croce. He wrote the lyrics after his wife Ingrid told him she was pregnant with their son, Adrian, in December 1970. It appeared on his 1972 ABC debut album You don’t Mess Around With Jim. ABC originally did not intend to release the song as a single; but when Croce was killed in a plane crash in September 1973, the song's lyrics, dealing with mortality and the wish to have more time, had additional resonance. The song subsequently received a large amount of airplay as an album track and demand for a single release built. When it was eventually issued, it became his second and final #1 hit. If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic and want to listen to the song you can find it at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dO1rMeYnOmM. There is one thing we can be sure of: God wants us to be good stewards of our time. The starting point is to know why we’re here. Do you know the answer to that question? We should also develop a sense of clarity about each day. By having a clear purpose, and doing the most important thing each day, God can revolutionize your life and help you make the most of your time. Don’t let the minutes just tock by.