Today’s scripture: Mark 13: 33-37 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (John Seksay):
Humanity has a long history with calendars. Some of our oldest human artifacts are structures that align with the sun, moon, or stars to remind us when things should be happening — the end of winter, the time to plant crops. If anything, we are even more intentional today. We have calendars, day-minders, and all kinds of electronic apps to help us remember when and where we can plan to get some important task done.
I’m a bit old-fashioned, so I tend to work with a paper day-minder. Each month I update the scheduled events I am carrying out for the next few months, and I use each day to write out the specific things I would like to get done the next day. There is a strong satisfaction from looking at the goals accomplished each day, the plans moving forward because I prepared for them. I feel like I am taking care of myself and my life.
But not every important event will fit neatly into a plan. When was the last time any of us scheduled one of these: a winning lottery number, a life-changing stroke, or an amazing sunset? Some events will just happen with very little warning and catch us completely off-guard. How do we prepare for the unexpected?
That is the message I gather from today’s reading. Preparation for this important event is very different from everything else. We must interrupt the very process we consider to be good preparation! Put aside the plans and lists, set aside all of the other routines, quiet the mind and heart. We must take time each day to be still and see which way the spiritual winds are blowing. After all, the day can only sneak up on us if we aren’t looking and listening for it!
Thought for the day: Lord, help me keep my ear to the ground so I can hear your footsteps. Help me be still each day in anticipation of your arrival in my life!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.