Daily Wisdom 02-14-2003 Ready or Not, Here He Comes!

I'm trying to be a good mom and train the boys to clean the bathroom themselves. I don't want their wives to hate me someday. So I've pretty much adopted a hands-off policy. Besides, last time I went in there I found a pile of those sweat socks decomposing. I've been wondering if I should start some sort of compost thing.

When we're expecting company, however, I have to confess I adopt a completely new course of action. I put on my EPA-approved hazardous materials yellow suit and go in. But the other day I had company unexpectedly and the guests just had to look at the boys' bathroom (insert "Psycho" shower music here). I wanted to have them sign a release form, but they were already inside before I could tackle them. Ready or not, there they were. I didn't even have time to get the haz-mat suits.

God's Word says that Jesus is coming over too÷and he's not calling ahead. Will we be caught red-faced digging for a release form or expectantly and ecstatically prepared to meet him?

1 John 2:28 indicates there will be those who are caught off guard in the most embarrassing moment of all time. "Live deeply in Christ. Then we'll be ready for him when he appears, ready to receive him with open arms, with no cause for red-faced guilt or lame excuses when he arrives."

I want to be one of those caught "living deeply." His coming is a sure thing. 1 Thessalonians 4 tells us, "We can tell you with complete confidence -- we have the Master's word on it. The Master himself will give the command. Archangel thunder! God's trumpet blast! ...And then there will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words."

These words are only reassuring when there are no towels mildewing on the floor÷when we're ready. When I hear the trumpet blast, I want to get a thrill from the music, not experience a "Psycho" shower/shriek feeling.

He's coming÷ready or not. Let's get out the enviro-suits and get the life-cleaning finished so we don't have to be red-faced at his coming.

For the record, it's not just a guy thing. And in all fairness to my boys, my two girls share a bathroom too. Not only can the hairspray build-up on the floor rip the shoes right off your feet, but I'm afraid to ask how many electric hair tools one bathroom circuit can support. I wonder if the girls will be inspired to get it up to code if I tell them someone is coming.

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Contributed by Rhonda Rhearrhea@juno.com
Rhonda Rhea writes for dozens of other great Christian publications and speaks at conferences and events across the country. Her new book,Amusing Grace,is due out in March. Rhonda's husband, Richie Rhea, is pastor of First Baptist Church of Troy, Missouri. You can contact them through her Web site:www.rhondarhea.net