Replace what isn’t working, if you need it.
It’s inevitable. Things break down or stop working over time.
Our devices, our vehicles, tools, clothing, medications, our routines and habits. They all tend to wear out or cease to function eventually.
For me, it is the mantle clock in our den. I like the way it looks. It’s convenient to simply glance up to see what time it is.
A few days ago, I noticed it was stuck at 9:55. I figured it was an easy fix—just replace the battery. Nope. It appears the quartz mechanism is broken.
I usually have my phone with me. I could simply check my phone for the time. Or I could hit the display button on the TV remote for the same purpose. But both require an extra step.
Quartz mechanisms are fairly reasonable online, less than $10.00. But one will likely require some retrofitting. I’m still torn whether to fix the clock or not.
I don’t technically need it. But I do like it. It seems irresponsible to simply treat it as a throw-away item. Meanwhile, the clock is still stuck at 9:55.
The clock is an extremely minor issue. But in our consumer culture, we may wish to pause to ponder whether we need to repair or replace everything that breaks down. Perhaps we do and perhaps we don’t.
The same can be true of relationships and even habits and routines. Was the item serving a positive or useful purpose? Did we need it? How much did we enjoy it? Is it important to have it or a similar presence in our lives?
Today’s message invites me to be discerning in what I choose to repair or replace. Having an item break down is perhaps an opportunity to simplify my life.
Please reflect and share. What’s broken in your life presently? Do you need to repair or replace it?