Be Prepared

The gentle wind blows through the valley;

The golden Aspen leaves shimmer in the breeze.
The tall pine branches sway to the melody,
And their many cones fall to the ground.


As the squirrels scamper to gather their food,
I watch God’s creatures prepare for winter in the Eastern Sierra.



I begin to think about my own preparedness, not just for the winter months,
but in my vocation as a wife, as a mother, as a Christian woman in my neighborhood and workplace.
If my Lord were to visit me today, what state would He find that with which he
has entrusted me?

Pondering this question, the story of the Ten Bridesmaids comes to mind.


Jesus told His disciples this parable: “The Kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones, when taking their lamps, brought no oil with them, but the wise brought flasks of oil with their lamps. Since the bridegroom was long delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, there was a cry, ‘Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!’ Then all those virgins got up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise ones replied, ‘No, for there may not be enough for us and you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.’ While they went off to buy it, the bridegroom came and those who were ready went into the wedding feast with him. Then the door was locked. Afterwards the other virgins came and said, ‘Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ But he said in reply, ‘Amen, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour.” (Matthew 25: 1-13)




Prayer:


Lord, when you call on me, may you find me amongst the wise, spiritually vigilant, with my oil lamp full.