November 29

Then Jesus returned to the disciples and found them sleeping. “Were you not able to keep watch with Me for one hour?” He asked Peter. — Matt 26:40 BSB

A young lady whose parents had passed away in her infancy was lovingly cared for by a family friend. Before she was old enough to know him, he left for Europe but continued to write to her faithfully, sending money for all her needs. After many years, word came that he would return to visit her during a certain week. Though he didn’t specify the exact day or time, she was excited.

That week, she received several invitations to go on pleasant outings with friends. One invitation was especially appealing, and she couldn’t resist accepting it. While she was away, the man came to visit, but finding her absent, he left a note: “My life has been a struggle for you—could you not have waited one week for me?” She never heard from him again, and her life of plenty turned into one of want.

Jesus hasn’t given us the day or hour of His return, but He has told us to watch. Should He come today, would He find us distracted by thoughtless pursuits? May we live each day in eager expectation, like those waiting for a loved one’s return.