Our Glass
An hourglass measures time. Hence the “hour” part of its name. However, I view the connected glass bulbs differently. I see an hourglass as an analogy of our journey and what we gain from the world around us. Instead of the sand recording seconds, to me it represents the knowledge and opportunities which compose a meaningful life not just the eclipse of time.
When we are born, our hourglass is inverted. The top portion is the future that will reveal itself in an orderly fashion. The grains passing through the narrow opening are the present. Our world expands as ideas and experiences collect below. With so much open area to fill, initially the introduction of sand creates a seemingly random pattern. Like newborn babies, everything is bewildering. It’s a strange existence. But soon, the gathering sand begins filling the empty spaces. This forms our understanding. What was foreign and haphazard becomes identifiable and routine. Soon a conical shape appears. That is our past to be built upon.
Adolescence is when information is disseminated so rapidly, it buries what you were exposed to prior. The more sand compiled, the more overwhelming it seems and the higher the probability of getting frustrated. Wisdom is displaced by confusion. What’s relevant is brought back to the surface when the glass is shaken by concerned, external forces.
Teenagers can get anxious about the uncertainty of what has yet to be revealed. Only having a perspective from the inside looking up, they can’t grasp there’s more to come from above. They’re unaware of what is visible to those standing on the outside. Pre-adults don’t realize patience will be rewarded with awe-inspiring wonderment.
Maturity is reached when you’re accustomed to the rate of bombardment and can differentiate between what’s important and what should be ignored. At this stage, the pertinent sand reinforces the solid foundation underfoot. While trivial sand is left to fall by the wayside. With the accumulation comes more options. Digging deep into what’s at your disposal can be useful in creating something better.
Some who have achieved senior citizen status believe in the falsehood that their time will be done when there’s nothing left in the chamber above. They wonder at this juncture, why bother living? From my perspective though, that’s a fallacy because each of our glasses is much bigger than we imagine. The opportunity for learning never ceases and neither does the sand.
Plus, an hourglass beyond our scope of comprehension will reveal itself to us when the moment arises. And transitioning to that one will be Heavenly.