Tick, Tock

1 John 4:7a – Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. (NLT)

Psalm 36:7a – How precious is your unfailing love, O God! (NLT)

I purchased a new clock, and its ticking seems loud to my husband. I am not bothered because I am hearing impaired. Whenever he mumbles "Tick, tock …" under his breath, I am reminded of nights spent with my grandmother.

I often stayed with her and shared her bed. Snuggled under wool blankets and feather eiderdown, feet on a hot water bottle, I was fascinated by her nightly routine. She removed several layers of clothing: knitted wool cardigan, dress, nylon petticoat, bone corsets, and stockings held up with rubber bands. A long flannel nightgown went over her "unmentionables". Then she rolled her hair in curlers and creamed her face.

I giggled when the bed rocked and creaked as she climbed in, shivering. There were no kisses, hugs, or prayers. She snored gently while I lay warm and cozy, listening to the clock, tick, tock …, lulling me to sleep.

I clearly remember these details and more, because I loved staying with Nan. She was my favourite person. When I told her that I was moving to Canada, she simply said, "Good for you, girl." It never occurred to me that her heart was probably breaking. In her last Christmas card to me, she wrote, "I have not forgot you. Love, Nan xx"

She did not have to tell me that she loved me; I always knew that. Nor do I hear God's voice saying that He loves me — but I know. Our heavenly Father sent His Son to die for us — what greater love is there? We can know that He loves us by the love shown in our own families. The joys and sorrows that human beings share, the help that we give, using our gifts to bless others — all point to a loving God.

We see God's love in the order of a world where season follows season. God doesn't provide just our food, but also a never-ending array of flowers and colours for no other reason than to thrill us. He proves His love for us in a thousand different ways.

Are you worried that time is running out? With hair turning white, no amount of cream halts the wrinkles. The world seems to be in such turmoil that it cannot last much longer. Yes, the clock is ticking. But if we know and love God, we don't have to worry. God will never forget us. The Bible tells us that "His love endures forever." (Psalm 136)

1 John 2:17 – And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever. (NLT)

Jude 1:21 – Keep yourselves in God's love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life. (NIV)

Tick, tock … . The clock will stop one day. Let us not put off our decision to invite Christ into our heart until it's too late.

Prayer: Father in heaven, You lavish great love upon us! Come into each one of our hearts and help us to love others — and to love You most of all, so that we can spend eternity with You. Amen.

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