Observations of an Artist: Lived and Learned

Pocket watches Pocket watches, twenty to twenty-five, ticking each with its own unique sounds. My brother Vance tells me that the tick of each watch is individual to that watch. The reason for this he explains are varied, the type of material used to make the case, the thickness of this material, the size of the parts, the case and on and on it goes with each variation. Vance derives much pleasure in collecting old and new pocket watches. He has information of interest as to why he values each and the telling is entertaining, I agree. When the owner is present to tell his stories of how he obtained his watches, viewers spend more time admiring them. These little machines of time are attractive, but with Vance’s enthusiastic presentation, these watches are most captivating. Alone with the timepieces displayed in my glass topped coffee table; I give them each five twist of the stem to bring them to life just as Vance instructed. I lift one to my ear and listen. Warm thoughts of the past come to mind and heart. My mom winds a Baby Ben to put in a shoebox with the newborn bird found on the ground far from its nest. She explains that the ticking will soothe the baby allowing it to sleep. Surely the working of this woman’s heart gave me comfort before and after I was pushed into this world. Even now the rhythmic click and tick is a sound reminding of peace even though it is metal on metal within a cold vessel of nickel, brass or steel. How much more peaceful is the sound of a human heart keeping time second by second and moment by moment year in and year out. My brother appreciates the fine work involved in putting together the pocket watches and this brings me to delight in the One who put together my heart. I visualize my Creator drawing me up to His ear to listen to His handy work. Yes, He knows the unique tick of my heart and He rejoices in it. Going from this image to the image of what kind of “watch” I am for my Lord, an everyday watch or a display watch. I want to be an everyday watch, smooth from use and always nearby. Of course the Maker has no need for a time piece so the analogy goes no further. Even so, will I let others know that the time is now, the time to come to Christ? Unlike the watch, I have been created to choose to be accurate in allowing myself to be “set” by my Creator. So Vance, my brother, I thank you for allowing me the use of your watches. They have given me much to think about.