At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five of them were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones however took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
Matthew 25: 1-5 N.I.V.
As a small girl Tuesdays and Thursday evening at 5 o’clock precisely I would be told ok to walk up the short lane to the bus stop at the top of the hill and arrive there at the same time as the big red bus. My favourite uncle would step down and we would walk back down the lane hand in hand together.
Sadly, life as a grown up and as a Christian has not always gone according to the same plan and pattern. There have been times of waiting and disappointment. Waiting, keeping awake and being prepared these are all things which the Lord Jesus speaks about. They are things which we barely hear; as human beings we tend to be drowsy and fall asleep a lot.
I cannot, remember now, the word which was preached that night but turning the bookmark over I can still read Col Cook’s precious note to me, concerned with the small verb ‘to wait’ and the first point he makes is ‘be alert’
“Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquetl
“Because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Luke 12. 35: 40
There is no clock to tell me when my Master, the Bridegroom will arrive no one to slip my arms into my coat. I must be on the watch for myself and make sure that what I need against His coming is at hand.
Lord who calls me,
Whose love draws me on,
Let me attend to Your Word and wisdom,
Keeping awake, alert and ready for I would
Not miss Thee for all the world and all the worlds,
My beloved, come.
Always, Jean❤️
Fresh Whispers 
Beautiful work, Jean, and so perfect for Lenten preparation!
Thank you