In 1876, Henry Clay Work wrote the song “My Grandfather’s Clock.” The
song describes a grandfather’s clock that faithfully ticks its way through its
owner’s life. Childhood, adulthood, and old age are all viewed in relationship
to his beloved timepiece. The refrain says:
The relentless ticking of the clock reminds us that our time on earth is
limited. Despite the joys and pains of life, time always marches on. For the
believer, our time on earth is an opportunity for gaining wisdom. The psalmist
writes, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Ps. 90:12).
One way of numbering our days is to ask ourselves these kinds of
questions: How can I become more like Christ? Am I reading the Word regularly?
Am I devoting time to prayer? Am I meeting together with other believers? The
way we answer these questions is an indicator of the progress we’re making in
gaining wisdom and becoming more like Christ.
No matter the phase of life—childhood, youth, middle age, or our senior
years—life always affords us opportunities to grow in faith and wisdom.
Numbering our days is the wise response to life’s inevitable progress. How are
you progressing on your journey?
Don’t spend your time—invest it. (RBC)
