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)
