I finally had to put away my old watch today. It was a gift of love from an Uncle and it had set on my wrist everyday for over 25 years. It had gone through over 50 batteries and half a dozen wrist bands. One of the first digital watches ever made it had served me faithfully and well. Gradually, though, the numbers on it had faded until I could no longer read them clearly. I couldn’t bring myself to toss it in the trash, however, and put it in my dresser drawer instead.

When I went to the store to look for a new watch I was amazed by the selection. There were dozens of digital watches there. There were watches that not only told the time and date, but also glowed in the dark, showed me the time zones, and even doubled as a stop watch. I looked at them all and then settled on an old-fashioned, clock-face watch with numbers and a second hand on it. I think that it reminded me of simpler times when change wasn’t quite so constant and life wasn’t quite so hectic. I hope it lasts me for the rest of my time here.

I have never been one who enjoyed change. I have often had to be dragged into it by those around me. Still, though all the changes in this life I am reassured by the one thing that never changes: God loves us and wants us to be happy. I keep this truth shining bright in my heart and soul everyday. With this truth I am able to accept the fact that life is full of change and to go where ever its changes may take me. With this truth I am even able to grow in love, joy, and oneness with God through all the changes in my life.

We may not enjoy the changes that life so often brings us, but with God’s help we can make them all work for good in our lives. One day, though, the watch inside of us will stop ticking. One day we will face the greatest change of all with only the love we have chosen, the joy we have shared and our oneness with God to light the way. Let’s make sure we are ready for it.

Joseph J. Mazzella joecool@wirefire.com