As I faced a full day to clean and prepare for guests, the hours stretched out with potential. I needed a list to keep me on track. I flipped over an empty envelope and began writing the tasks I could do. The chores I listed weren’t all necessary for entertaining that evening, but I had so many hours… I had plenty of time!
I was on my feet the entire day with quick touchdowns to eat breakfast and lunch. I listened to music or an audiobook and happily buzzed around, completing all the work. There was such satisfaction in crossing items off my list. However, often as I drew a line through one thing, I added two more I had thought of doing. And as I worked, I noticed new should-dos that weren’t on the list and did them anyway.
When one of my guests messaged to ask for the evening’s details, I laughingly responded that I only had seven more hours to get ready. It seemed like so much time!
Yet, when my friends arrived (25 mins after the expected time), I had taken over 8000 steps without leaving the condo, but I WAS NOT READY. My laundry was washed, dried, folded, and put away. My napkins were folded and twisted into beautiful rose shapes, and a meal of turkey breast and homemade fries was served for dinner. Yet, I had not sliced the meats or cut the cheese for my charcuterie board. In fact, I had no food ready except a bowl of chips.
How did this happen?
Considering that only two people live in our condo and we keep it clean and tidy, how was I not ready to entertain after twelve and a half hours???
I didn’t prioritize that list. I saw a large block of time spread before me and began filling the minutes with things that didn’t need to be done before welcoming my guests. My foolish behavior resulted in embarrassing unpreparedness (thankfully, these were good friends).
As children of God, we are preparing for company. The Bridegroom Himself is coming. When Jesus returned to Heaven, He promised to return to bring His followers home.
Our to-do list involves loving God (prayer, Bible reading, trust) and loving others. As we do those things, we grow to be more like our Father and glorify Him with how we live.
I want to be ready. Don’t you?
“So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming. Understand this: If a homeowner knew exactly when a burglar was coming, he would keep watch and not permit his house to be broken into. You also must be ready all the time, for the Son of Man will come when least expected.”
What About You?
Have you ever had a failure-to-prioritize mess like mine? I truly hope you are better at time management than me!
Do you make your spiritual health a priority? What can you do this week to be better prepared for Christ’s return?
Pray with Me:
Thank You, Jesus, for the assurance that I will spend eternity with You. If You return before I die, I resolve to be ready to greet You. It is my desire to live my days on Earth learning about You and sharing Your love with others. Thank You for Your grace and love. Amen.
Valda Goudie is a teacher and author of the Tickle Me with a Crowbar! Series (available on Amazon and Kobo.com). Visit her site at https://valsstage.com/ and download Book 1 for free.
