I wasn’t prepared for the email I received from my boss that Monday morning back in April. The subject line read, “Please join this Zoom meeting in progress.” To say I was panicked would be an understatement.
Because of the Covid-19 threat and our “shelter in place” orders, the staff in our office had been told in March to start working from home as much as possible. I was very well-prepared for this. My files are all accessible online, and most of my job as a Pastoral Care Associate can be done from my cell phone and laptop.
I had already been faithfully working for hours that day. However, I went straight to work that morning IN MY PAJAMAS. I was not prepared for a video chat.
You might be thinking to yourself that I could have just thrown on a shirt and joined the meeting. But, being in my pajamas also meant that I hadn’t put my makeup on, and this lady DOES NOT make public appearances without her makeup on.
There was no time to get myself ready. I ran around until I found a gift sack. I tried putting it over my head, but it was too small. What could I do?!
I finally found a pink paper plate and cut out two slits just large enough to see through. I drew on a smile, pretending that all was well. Prideful? Yes! Childish? Absolutely! I was the product of desperation.
I hurried as fast as I could, but by the time I clicked the link to the meeting, it was invalid. I was too late.
I was reminded the next night when our family was reading in Matthew 24-25, of another important meeting that every single one of us is going to be called into one day. Jesus was talking about a day when He will return. He said that He will return at a time when we don’t expect it. Those He finds living for Him will be welcomed to spend eternity with Him in heaven, but those who are caught off guard will be sent into eternal punishment.
With the Covid 19 pandemic, the rioting, the political upset and everything that our nation has been experiencing as a result, I have heard comments that “the end is near.” We cannot know for sure when Jesus will return, but we should be living as if it could be any minute. Are you prepared? Are you living for Him and sharing the hope of the Gospel with those around you who are not prepared? One day, it will be too late.