The Significance of Time in Human Life
Time is an essential resource that governs the lives of all living beings, from humans and animals to plants and insects. Across the globe, people rely on time to plan their interactions and organize their daily activities. It serves as a crucial capital for governments, companies, organizations, communities, and individuals alike.
This God-given resource is equally available to everyone, regardless of race, wealth, education, age, or social status. However, the challenge lies in managing this time effectively to achieve personal and collective goals.
The Clock Gift: A Symbol of Retirement
Unlike wristwatches or other timekeeping devices, wall clocks are designed for public display. They often capture the attention of both hosts and guests, employers and employees, teachers and students. In the past, wall clocks were a common part of retirement gifts for employees leaving their jobs. These gifts were not just practical but also symbolic, representing a memorable connection to their former employers.
The clocks came in various designs and sizes, serving as constant reminders of the retirees’ years of service. However, over time, the significance of this gift has changed.
Negative Perceptions of the Clock
In recent years, the practice of giving wall clocks as retirement gifts has declined. Many colleagues and individuals in both public and private sectors have shared their reasons for this shift. Some perceive the clock negatively, interpreting its ticking as a reminder of the approaching end of life. The movement of the hands can symbolize the passage of time toward death, making it an uncomfortable gift for some.
The Role of the Sun in Time Measurement
In God’s creation, the sun plays a vital role in determining the time of day. The Earth’s concept of time is closely tied to its rotation around the sun. One plant that demonstrates the sun’s influence is the sunflower, which follows the sun’s path across the sky, adjusting its head from east to west to maximize sunlight for photosynthesis.
In many African traditional communities, the sun is essential for planning socio-economic activities. Elders and community leaders use the sun’s position and light intensity to schedule meetings and events. Common time slots include:
- Dawn
- Early morning
- Late morning
- Afternoon
- Late afternoon
- Evening
- Late evening
- Night
- Midnight
These schedules are based on the Earth’s position relative to the sun.
The Shadow Experience
Observing the direction of the sun and the length of shadows can help estimate the time of day. A few years ago, I hosted two German students in my home in Ghana. Near midday, I asked them to predict the time using only the size and position of their shadows. Initially surprised, they eventually made guesses. A nearby Ghanaian provided the most accurate answer, highlighting the practical use of this method.
The Crowing Cock: Nature’s Timekeeper
Some birds play a key role in time management, especially in rural areas. During a visit to my village, Effia in Ghana, a cock reminded me of childhood experiences with these birds. The crowing of cocks helped us organize daily activities before the widespread use of clocks. When we heard the crows in the night and at dawn, it signaled the start of the day.
Farmers would wake up and go to their farms, while women and children prepared for water collection, and parents got their children ready for school.
Church Bells: A Community Timekeeper
In many African rural communities, church bells have been instrumental in managing socio-economic and spiritual life. The bell master, usually a disciplined individual, monitors the time and rings the large church bell to signal worshipers and the community.
During the week, especially on Sundays, the sound of the church bells guides the village population in scheduling their early morning and evening activities. On Sundays, the bells typically ring twice, with the first bell reminding worshippers to prepare quickly and the second urging them to head to the place of worship.
The writer is a HR/Management Practitioner.
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