March 31, 2018 – Wear the Good Watch
Some years back I had the following
story in my illustration file for sermons. It never actually made it into a
message, but the story has impacted me on some level for many years.
As the story goes a son is
preparing for the funeral of his mother. He is selecting the dress, jewelry and
other items that will adorn her body as she lies in the coffin for family and
friends to come to the final viewing. He selects the dress, the scarf, the
necklace, and other items that will be the final clothes his mother will ever
wear.
In the process of selecting the
clothes, the son comes across a beautiful silk slip made with ornate handiwork
and elaborate lace. His mother never wore it. It seems she felt it was so
special she was waiting for the right event to wear it. As the son holds the slip,
and lets his fingers trace the outlines of the lace he says aloud, “I guess
this is a finally special enough event to wear this slip.”
The point hits me home every time I
recount the story.
Now go with me to the Christmas
season of 2011. At that time I have been living with the dream of leading an
organization that grew to what we had all anticipated it could. The senior staff,
all of which I was privileged to hire, train and work with were an incredible group
of men and women. We were equally divided among gender and races. It was a
beauty to be a part of. We had a representation of at least 50-60 other equally
diverse staff among our area. But these individuals were very special to me.
I have never been one to have strong
negative feelings about surprise gifts, surprise parties, and the like. I guess
I always felt that if someone wanted to surprise me, why should I get in the
way of their fun?
Our parent organization at that
time held the usual Christmas luncheon, of which my staff was a part. As we
neared the end of this lunch, one of my staff, said to me, “Why don’t all of us
on your staff go somewhere and have something to drink and hang out together?”
I was totally game, because I truly loved these men and women.
They suggested a location, or so I
thought, and we all loaded up in our respective vehicles to drive to the agreed
upon location. I was sitting at a high top bar stool around a table, when out
of nowhere, Gavin (who was only 7-8 at the time) was tugging on my pant leg. I
recall saying, “Hey buddy! What are you doing here?” I then saw Kay there and
was even more surprised. Why? What? How?
After we ordered a drink, the members
of my senior staff pulled out a gift to present to me and one to Kay. We were
taken completely aback. They were matching Tissot timepieces. These were not watches.
They were of a quality and price that I have never purchased for myself, and
probably never would have. It still ranks as one of the top gifts I have ever
been given, mostly because of what it meant.
Over the years since I received the
timepiece, I have worn it only at what I would call dress up occasions. This
would include, worship, banquets, and other important events. It was never my
daily watch. I had one that was more plain and simple that I wore throughout
the work week.
Now to today, as I recovered from
my surgery and began my chemotherapy, began to go more regularly about my
normal duties of the work week. Somewhere along that early time frame, I was getting
dressed and reached to put on my normal weekly watch, but saw this incredible timepiece.
I recall at that moment remembering the story I recounted above. As I thought about
what lay ahead for me I said aloud to myself, alone in my bedroom, “Wear the
good watch.”
From that day to this, if you see
me during the week, on Sunday and anywhere that I would not fear the timepiece
being damage due to my activity, I am wearing it.
I decided what am I waiting for?
Celebrate every day! Every day is a special gift from God. Every day is deserving
of the good timepiece.
Where is it in your life that you
need to celebrate the gift that every single day is? Wear the good watch.
Two days ago my wife and I celebrated
our 43rd wedding anniversary. Wear the good watch.
Today on Holy Saturday, we prepare
to celebrate resurrection on the morrow. Wear the good watch.
Wear the good watch!
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