Recently at a hotel, my sweet little ones discovered an Alexander Graham Bell invention. They had so much fun being in different rooms while conversing in their adult-like lingo back and forth. You really had to be there. It was priceless!
Wylder: “Lylah, pick the phone back up.”
Lylah: “What?
Wylder: “Pick the phone back up.”
Wylder: “Mommy, I can hear through this other phone!”
Lylah: “Hey, Wylder. Do you have some toys ‘fur’ mommy?”
Wylder: “Lylah?”
Lylah: “What?”
Wylder: “Blow some air in the phone.”
Wylder: “Goodbye, Lylah. Love you.”
Lylah: “Hello? Hello? Wylder? What are you doing today?”
Wylder: “What Lylah?
Lylah: “Hey, Wylder!”
Thinking about their precious show, I began to ponder days past when my queen, Granny (Carolyn Jones), sat on a chair in the parlor of her home chatting with family or friends on a rotary dial telephone.
I specifically remember her talking with her sister-in-law, Evelyn Davis, her friend Sarah Davis and her dearest of all dear friends, Granny Elsie Smith. Their conversations — and there were many — went on for what seemed like forever, but I dared not interrupt as I knew I would be gently reprimanded.
The short phone cord was not accommodating to allow any multitasking. Even if Granny could have taken care of necessary duties while on the phone, she would not have done so.
Uninterrupted and undivided attention devoted to those she loved, no matter what, was on the to-do list. It was an important part of her daily routine.
There was good old-fashioned verbal talk about how blue the sky was, what’s for supper, who died, political events (yikes), family matters, church politics (double yikes), who was ill and probably a few things my ears should have never heard. I am sure it was time well-spent.
I also have fond memories of Granny and Grandpappy (William Jones) sitting with family, friends, neighbors, and me, on the porch. Visiting was intentional, well-developed, and rewarding for all.
Delicious soft-serve ice cream dipped in chocolate, strawberry or butterscotch and served on a stick added a touch of sweetness and were often part of time together — a pastime I need to recreate with my grandies, for sure. DQ dilly bars are indeed a royal treat and worth sharing.
During Grandpappy’s working career and throughout years of retirement, much of his time was spent in his workshop. A master woodworker, he could make just about anything. Trains, jewelry boxes, picture frames, cabinets — you name it, he made it. He spent many hours sawing, hammering, nailing, and gluing only to give away his treasures. In essence, he was actually giving away his time.
Oh, lest I forget the clocks? I think his inspiration may have come from ole’ Big Ben. Beautiful casings and inner workings that ticked and tocked adorned every room.
The lovely chiming every 30 and 60 minutes was music to my ears, most of the time. There were some sleepless nights, as not one rang out at the exact same time. Precious memories, though. It seems like it was yesterday.
I recall many valuable conversations with my grandpappy. Often he would comment that time-saving inventions only cause people to cram more into an already hectic lifestyle.
“Time flies, slow down and enjoy life, for it will go by fast and you can’t get it back,” he would say.
I used to think my birthday, vacation, and Christmas would never come. There were many exhausting stressful days while raising my children that seemed to last forever and ever and ever.
Now birthdays come every day, vacations are over in the blink of an eye, Christmas comes more than once a year and my children are married and have precious ones of their own. I used to think time literally flew, but now I know it does. Grandpappy was exactly right.
Every single one of us begins a day with exactly 24 hours. In reality, time, a precious commodity, is limited. Time is the one thing we all have in common, but the one thing we all use differently. In today’s fast-paced world, the rhythm of daily life is set at maximum speed.
If “labor saving devices” and “conveniences” make life easier, allowing more time for important matters, then how come there is never enough time to do what really matters?
I tend to put off today what can be accomplished tomorrow, and more often than not, the matters of greater importance get put aside and even ignored.
Much of the time, I am in such a rush that I don’t notice what is directly before me. There are often opportunities for me to share my faith, thoughts about the goodness of the Sovereign God, or offer up a prayer for someone. My busyness causes me to let those times slip past.
It seems as though there isn’t enough time to do the things I have to do, the things I should do, nor the things I want to do. Although I cannot slow down time, I can be proactive and conscious about what to neglect and do what really matters. Possibly a counterintuitive way to feel less pressed for time is to give it away. My grandparents didn’t seem to mind. Some things are certainly worth sharing.
A few weeks ago, my husband and I had the privilege of sitting in the home of Sonny Stull listening to him talk of days past. He is a wonderful man with years of wisdom under his belt. I can tell he loves his family and he spends much time doing what matters most.
My only regret is not visiting sooner and meeting his wife, Charlotte. I am confident by how kindly he spoke of her that she was indeed a lovely lady.
Mr. Stull said a friend of his told him when he had the time, he would come by for a visit. His comment back to the friend was: “Well, you won’t be coming to see me then because you have to make time.”
Upon leaving, he thanked us for coming and invited us to “please come back soon.”
I am sure the chimes of the Great Bell of the Great Clock of Westminster ringing out in the Parliament Clock Tower are a lovely sound. Four quarter bells chime at 15, 30 and 45 minutes past the hour and just before Big Ben tolls on the hour. Perhaps the precise chiming of the bells is a reminder that time is ticking and I should not waste it on frivolous things. Maybe I should take the time to go shopping for a new clock.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “So much of our time is spent in preparation, so much in routine, and so much in retrospect, that the amount of each person’s genius is confined to a very few hours.”
See you soon, Mr. Stull!
P.S. — Hello Denise Pillow! Granny admired your grandmother so much and I am grateful for the love and loyalty she shared. I often felt like she was my granny, too. So happy they passed on their friendship to us. You are always welcome to come by and sit for a while. I will be happy to serve you tea. Or a dilly bar!
thanks for the timely comments