Unprepared

On Thursday, I went to our church camp.  My plan was to attend a meeting and then go to a service afterward.  As the time drew near for the meeting, I got distracted with taking care of some business on my cell phone.  Without warning, it was time for the meeting.  So I grabbed my nearly- dead phone and hurried to the building where the meeting was to be held proud of myself for not being late.  As I sat down, I realized that I forgot a pen.  However, since I did not honestly need to write anything down, I was in beautiful shape.  The meeting went long, and the service had started by the time the meeting ended.  Now, it was raining.  Since I hate wet clothes, I ran from one building to the other trying desperately not to get soaked.  I congratulated myself on succeeding in my endeavor to stay dry, as I took the one open seat with the rest of the family.    We sang another song or two and then the pastor said, “Today we’ll be reading from Ephesians.   Whoops!  In my neglect and haste, I had forgotten one thing.  MY BIBLE.   I found myself unprepared for the service.  Fortunately, there was a lady next to me who shared her Bible with me.  I know it was a small thing, and it was hardly worth being upset about it.  But I was reminded that God wants us to be prepared. 

Whether it is 

having a Bible so I can follow along as the scriptures are read,

or having my mind clear so I can focus on what the pastor is saying.

At other times, the need may be for me to be prepared to act appropriately and not give in to temptation,

Still, other times I need to be ready to stand alone.

I would love to say I, like a good girl scout, am always prepared but I am not, obviously.   For me, the struggle is real.  I desire to be prepared, and sometimes I am, but sometimes, this world and other things distract me, and I find myself unprepared

for worship,

to stand alone,

to act in a manner that glorifies the God who created me.

I have found , however, that the best way for me to be prepared is to stay in touch with God.