AT THE TAIL END
I sometimes find that reading an article in the Ringing World will spark in my mind a ‘Thought for the Week’. In a recent issue there was a photograph of a bell rope with a Yorkshire tail end. I have only once come across these while on tour with the Guild of Clerical Ringers. I seem to remember that I managed to cope with it not too badly, but I also recall one of our group referring to it as his ‘ferret’ and tucking it up inside his sleeve!
There is a phrase we sometimes use in Scotland when referring to someone who always makes a habit of being last to arrive for a meeting, or even turning up late. “He’s aye at the coo’s tail”. Translation: He is always at the tail end. I am one of those people who likes to arrive early for an event rather than just turn up bang on time, or risk being late. As a clergyman it is something I have always been in the habit of doing for fear of being late for a service. It is too much of a risk to leave it till the tail end.
The Bible warns us of the danger of leaving spiritual things till the tail end. It is so easy to put off responding to the gospel invitation to come to Christ for salvation. “One day I will accept Christ and follow him, but not yet. I will leave it for a while until I feel more ready.”
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favour, now is the day of salvation.” (2 Corinthians 6:2) Don’t leave it till the tail end of your life or it might be too late. Come to him without delay. Jesus said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28) “Whoever comes to me will never be turned away.” (John 6:37)
George Cringles
Minister of the Church of Scotland (Retired) – Member of the Guild of Clerical Ringers
