My head bobbed last night toward the end of the RNC. Not because it was boring, but I was tired. This morning in prayer it did it again. My favorite time of sitting with our Lord and in the middle of a prayer I find my eyes closed and mind drifting. I had 8 hours of sleep and coffee too!

In today’s Gospel Jesus tells his disciples to stay awake. Awake- being of full consciousness to what is occurring in and around you… is definitely an act of the will.

I can think of so many circumstances of doing my own thing, thinking of only my self and not of how another feels or how they will be impacted by my words and actions. These times I was sleeping- yes asleep in myself yet visually fully awake.

I hear Christ saying to me too, wake up! “Much is happening around you to those I love! Where are you?” I want to say right here, but in all truthfulness, I’d rather just do my thing. It’s far less complicated. But I also know doing so is not following his commands to love my neighbor.

Today I will try again. I will attempt to look with his eyes for those in need, in sorrow, grief and pain; for the lonely, broken-hearted and yes even in the joyful and happy people he brings before me. I will look forward to every moment of staying awake until my day is done and I can rest in his shelter once again.

Sweet Jesus, you know how off track I can get. You know I like to tend to many things. Help me to stay awake- and on task- for the things and people most important to you and your will. Help me to stay awake even when the labors I do make me so tired. I do not want to miss your visit to me in being awake with another’s needs. I want to be fully awake and not have my head be bobbing up and down, missing much of the grace you intended to give. Help me to remain with you in all my waking hours. Help me to watch, and pray. Grant me the ability to humbly and effectively serve those who are drawing more deeply to yourself with a fully awakened heart, loving and serving them as I do you.