I HAVE an egg timer which is put to frequent use as I like boiled eggs. Its job is to give me a measure of time for the perfect boiled egg. I have a clock that comes into its own when I have to set the alarm. The insistent ringing is there to ensure I am on time for whatever I have to do. Time is a natural part of creation taking us through days and seasons. It was there before we became part of it and it will be there after we have left the constraints of time on this earth.

Time can be a driving force, an ever present task master, but only if we allow it. Time is God’s gift to use as we desire. I try to use it as God desires because I believe that by so doing I am working in the Kingdom of God to bring about his peace and justice and offer hope and goodness to people.

Time is a mask that hides eternity. I need to pause and remove the mask and remember that by my faith in Jesus I have eternal life here and now. I live in eternity with Jesus as my friend; more than that he lives in me and I live in him. In these moments lies my refreshment from God’s living water and my direction from his gentle wisdom dropping into the space I have created.

As for boiled eggs, I’m still working on getting the perfect result every time; the same goes on living with Jesus.

The Rev Pauline West, Hawkshead Hill Baptist Church member