How many clocks have you in your house? Twelve, and two wristwatches in mine. Could I exist without any? Well, I might, but I venture to say not for long and I would certainly not feel at ease.
Our whole lives are governed by time, from dawn to dusk, from getting up to going to bed. That early morning cuppa luxury; in bed made by the electronic Teasmade. This not only tells you it's time to get up but switches on your reading light, and brings you early morning radio news and weather.
Yes, I fully appreciate we do not really need it. We could quite easily come down and put the kettle on and make a pot or cup. But it takes more time - and sitting propped up on pillows is so much more enjoyable.
Would we oversleep without our clock to wake us? Over many years I have had the good fortune to have my clock built into my body. Its uncanny: waking at 6.00am I check my bedside clock and wristwatch beside it on the bedside table - and it is dead on. A force of habit you say. In spite of this I still rely on a clock at the bus or railway station.
It is said that King George V had all his clocks altered so that they were one hour fast and he was then never late for appointments.
The Radio Times tells me when a programme is due to start. But I need a certain reminder to alert me it's time to switch the television on.
Of course it is possible to arrange things so that virtually everything in our homes comes on automatically.
Churches rely on clocks too; people watch for the end of the sermon, or the time to close the service. We cannot escape it, can we? But we may be able to alter it in Spring and Autumn.
One thing we cannot change is that time will remain at 24 hours a day 60 minutes in an hour, 60 seconds in a minute. And yes, time is eternity.
But it is strange, isn't it, that we all at some time or other cannot find time for the important things in life. Can we spare a minute to pray? Can we spare time for our heavenly Father at church on a Sunday? Can we find time to help someone in need?
Making time is awfully difficult for you and for me.
Royston Gumbrell
from the Magazine of Holy Cross, Motspur Park
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