Sunday November 30th, 2014 1st Sunday of Advent Mark 13:24-37
"Keep awake." (verse 37b)
When I was first allowed to babysit someone other than my little brother, I was picked up and given a ride to the house. I was invited in, shown around, told the bedtime for the children and invited to help myself to snacks. The couple would be back around 1:00 am. The children were excited. We played games that evening and had milk and cookies before the bedtime story. It was only 9:00 pm. I had a long time to wait. The television went to a test pattern at midnight and the house was quiet. I was very tired. Sitting on the big soft couch, I dozed off.
There was a noise at the door. I jumped up, not sure where I was or who I was. Then it all came back: I was the babysitter responsible for the household. I was awake, but just barely. The couple looked at each other and smiled at my disorientation. They paid me, asked if I could come again next week, and drove me home.
How will you stay awake when life becomes quiet and comfortable? How do we remember who we are? Maybe a splash of the waters of baptism and words of life can wake us up!
Lord of the heavens, refresh me with your love to wake me from my sleep. Amen. — TKR
Contributed by The Challenge of Staying Awake
When I was first allowed to babysit someone other than my little brother, I was picked up and given a ride to the house. I was invited in, shown around, told the bedtime for the children and invited to help myself to snacks. The couple would be back around 1:00 am. The children were excited. We played games that evening and had milk and cookies before the bedtime story. It was only 9:00 pm. I had a long time to wait. The television went to a test pattern at midnight and the house was quiet. I was very tired. Sitting on the big soft couch, I dozed off.
There was a noise at the door. I jumped up, not sure where I was or who I was. Then it all came back: I was the babysitter responsible for the household. I was awake, but just barely. The couple looked at each other and smiled at my disorientation. They paid me, asked if I could come again next week, and drove me home.
How will you stay awake when life becomes quiet and comfortable? How do we remember who we are? Maybe a splash of the waters of baptism and words of life can wake us up!
