“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.
Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping.”
One of the great things about having older kids is the luxury of both time and expendable income they enjoy. It affords them the luxury of cultural relevancy. (I think that thing about being “connected” in that informational technology sort of way probably has something to do with that as well.) When it comes to movies or music, they seem to be perpetually informed of the latest, greatest, and the “not to be missed”.
My wife and I took in the latest recommendation from the kids by catching a showing of “About Time” on a recent date night. The trailer reveals the most important and determining plot element; the males of a family are given the privilege of traveling back in time. The young protagonist uses his newly awakened ability to procure the girl of his dreams. It was a story that was clever enough to hold my attention and infused with enough heart and sentimentality to hold my wife’s as well.
The main character uses the ability to go back in time to have “do overs” in ways you can probably imagine. His dad gives him very few suggestions for using the gift they both possess, but the most powerful had to do with reliving each day. He instructed his son to go through each day in the usual way, full of all the typical stresses, frustrations, and inconveniences. He then suggested that he relive each day specifically to celebrate all the joy, purpose, and privilege of living another day. Once he began to appreciate the treasure that was hidden in his every day, there was no need to do any more “do overs”.
There is a growing chorus of voices that point to domestic politics, international upheaval, or even the prevailing cultural morays of our country, as signs that the end of the world is imminent. That He is likely coming very soon. That may or may not be. I just know that I am not supposed to be “sleeping” when it happens.
Jesus' teaching, confirmed in the plot line of this poignant new movie, is that we likely have no idea of when the final day will be… when that trumpet will sound. We are simply called to celebrate and live intentionally, the day that is at hand. Paul confirms what the main character of the movie knew, it is not our circumstance, but perspective that dictates the experience. It is a choice. Choose this day.
Are you asleep?
In what ways are you living each day as if it were your last?
Is the example of how you are enjoying the privilege of each day inviting those you love and lead to do the same?