The rough and the smooth
The Guild of Clerical ringers, as I imagine with most non-territorial ringing associations and societies, arranges at least one annual ringing outing for its members where members can gather for ringing and fellowship. In the case of the Clerical Guild our main excursion has traditionally taken place during Low Week – the week following the Second Sunday of Easter, ringing in parts of the country where many of us may not have rung previously or at least not for many years.
Contemplating the Guild’s next 2026 Low Week tour (in the Southampton area, for information), it gave rise to my reflecting on bellringing outings more generally of any length – where ringers travel to different towers to ring often unfamiliar bells – and how it can serve as a vivid metaphor for the journey of life, with its rough and smooth passages.
Each tower brings a new set of bells, each with its own personality. Some are perfectly tuned, responsive, and a joy to ring; smooth and melodious, they make even complex methods feel effortless. These are the towers remembered with fondness, where enjoyment echoes as freely as the peals themselves.
Yet not every set of bells is so accommodating. Some are heavy and reluctant, awkwardly spaced, or unpredictable in their swing. Even the most experienced ringer may find these outings demanding. Concentration is redoubled, teamwork becomes vital, and sometimes the music falters. But it is in these moments, when patience and perseverance are tested, that ringers forge stronger bonds and deepen their skills.
So just as we encounter both challenging and enjoyable towers, so too do we all experience seasons of hardship and ease. The “smooth” days are marked by joy, and harmony, when everything seems to go right and our efforts are rewarded. But life also brings “rough” days—when obstacles loom, tempers fray, and we are stretched beyond our comfort.
The value lies in the determination to keep ringing through the difficult ones. The rough bells teach patience, humility, and endurance, while the smooth bells offer respite, celebration, and hope.
Scripture is rich in examples of both hardship and joy and offers guidance for navigating both.
- Endurance in Trials: The apostle James once wrote, consider it pure joy…whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance (James 1:2-3). Like us when tackling challenging bells, we grow stronger through adversity, learning to rely on each other.
- And the Psalms echo with thanksgiving for God’s goodness – I will sing and make music with all my soul (Psalm 108:1). In those times when life rings out harmoniously, we are called to celebrate, to share our joy, and remember the source of our blessings.
- Then finally, the Apostle Paul reminds us to Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ(Galatians 6:2). On both difficult and delightful outings, we succeed together. Likewise, life’s journey is best travelled best in community, supporting one another through every resonance and discord.
Overall, our ringing gives out a message that life will not always be smooth, but every experience adds depth and meaning to our tune. And Biblical insight encourages us to persevere through hardship, rejoice in beauty, and support one another through every peal, trusting that every note, rough or sm