The Astronomical Clock, Old Town Square, Prague, The Czech Republic; a beautiful clock in a gorgeous European city. While the clock has many remarkable features, the fact that it was erected in the 15th century is what captures my attention.
For six hundred years the Astronomical Clock has marked the passage of time as the Czech people have moved over the cobblestones of Old Town Square. Six hundred years of business, and bartering. Six hundred years of choices, and challenges. Six hundred years of life.
I find myself considering the pace of life in the 15th century, as well as the pace in each succeeding century. Pace of life; what drove it six hundred years ago? What drives it now? What has changed? What has actually remained the same?
On a much more personal note, what motivates and establishes my pace of life? Why do I take the steps that I do, in the order that I take them?
Through the centuries, the Astronomical Clock has stood constant in Prague, marking the minutes and hours. But, in the end, although the clock is magnificent, it is only a manmade clock; definitely fallible.
So, rather than setting the pace of our lives according to a clock, even a magnificent clock, we can go to our infallible God. If we give Him permission, He marks our steps and orders our ways. Romans 3:27 and 28, in The Message, lays it out as such: “What we’ve learned is this: God does not respond to what we do; we respond to what God does. We’ve finally figured it out. Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace…” Steps, established by His direction, at His speed, and at His will become an excellent pace for any century.
