Why I Never Wear A Watch

Why I never wear a watch…

I don’t wear a watch for reasons that might not make sense to some. Not because of my lack of appointments, quite the contrary.

My epiphany came as I was taking my 10 month old daughter for a walk, her in the stroller and myself on foot. (Although sometimes I wanted to trade positions, but that’s another story)

We were on our way to visit my grandmother in the assisted living residence that was her home at the time. As we walked, I started talking to God.

“Father, I thank you for things that I have faced in my life.

I have had so many things that could have turned me from following you,

I have made some wrong choices, but You have always been there….”

The prayer went on as I made different turns and walked a straightway.

“… I had an accident that almost took my life. I am still trying

to heal from that. Some parts will never heal, I know that Lord,

but You help me to deal with my shortcomings…”

A railroad track had to be negotiated at this point. Angela rode in silence, looking around before drifting off to sleep.

The sun was warm and the birds sang as our goal of the senior home drew closer.

“… I was with my friend when her parents separated.

I sat with another friend when her sister died and lived through many things that

 I was able to observe first hand. Are you preparing me for something,

Lord?”

It was then that  I thought of my Aunt who had lost her daughter in a car accident. My cousins were in the car headed home from the mall. A car pulled from a side street at the exact time that they were passing. The details are a bit unclear to me now, but my younger cousin was taken to the hospital where she later died.

As I remembered this tragedy, and my Aunt dealing with this forever loss, I continued.

            

“… Father, the loss of a child is the hardest…”

 I looked toward Angela, sleeping in the stroller, and noticed my arm was no longer accompanied by my beautiful, white gold, elegant watch. I looked around for a moment and saw nothing on the ground.

What I did see, was my sweet child that trusted me as she rode, oblivious to my thoughts of loss. I smiled, as a tear made its journey down my face. I have an idea what the loss of a child can do to a parent.  

“…. Thank you that I have never lost a child.”

If I were to give human qualities to Your loss, as you sent your only son to earth to die for my sins, I would think a feeling of complete sacrifice.

Understand it or not, this is why I don’t wear a watch. I realized that the things of this world are just things.  It is HOW we deal with what plagues our lives that makes the difference.

                              “… Thank you for letting me see so many

things in this life. Thank you, God, for never

 leaving me. Help me show others your love.”

We arrived at my grandmother’s place.  Angela woke up and I smiled at her, then looked for a clock on the wall. Who needs a watch?!

“…  In Jesus Name, Amen.”