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Glancing is not the same as watching.

I once dropped my wife off at the front of a store so she could rush in for a few groceries. She stepped from the car and said, “I left my phone at home, so watch for me.”

I assured her I would, then maneuvered the car into a parking space with a clear view of the front doorway. Eyes riveted on that doorway, I watched intently. Only a few items on the list—in, out, done.

When other cars parked in my line of sight, I moved to a different spot. But each time, I watched that doorway like a hawk. I had promised to watch, and watch I would.

But the “quick run in for a few things” turned into a longer than expected wait. I pulled out my phone and searched the web to leverage my time, carefully holding it high so I could still see the front door area with my peripheral vision. I didn’t want to miss my baby when she stepped from the store. That would be unacceptable.

Checking one site and then another—and scrolling through various posts—my hand grew tired of holding the phone up. I dropped it to my lap, but still kept a wary eye open. Actually, it was more like a prolonged look in between scrolls. Engrossed in some interesting posts, I let my looks get shorter. They soon became occasional glances. What was taking her so long?

In between my prolonged glances, my wife emerged, and I missed her. I allowed the distractions to nullify my promise to watch and be ready as soon as she came out.

Jesus cautioned us to watch for His unscheduled return. And we do want to be faithful to that call. But unfortunately, many interests, influences, and cares of this world distract us. Often, our intense watching decreases to occasional glances when we hear a sermon or read an article about the end times.

May we all renew our pledge to be ready and watching for His return. May our hearts burn with the urgency of the imminency of the event. Nothing else is as urgent or important.

What are some ways you can better prepare yourself for Christ’s return?

(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)

(For more devotions, visit Christian Devotions.)