It struck me without warning. Or perhaps I should say I struck it without warning. Just one step away from my car door, I slipped on my icy driveway, crashed to the pavement, and fractured my right wrist. I didn’t need an x-ray to believe I had broken a bone. The immediate pain told the tale.

I knew that walking conditions were treacherous; yet I probably wasn’t as careful as I should have been. Truthfully, I was in too much of a hurry to bother to take the necessary precautions. I was busy; but I wasn’t prepared.

This serves as a metaphor for my life. In a rush to do good things that benefit others; yet not taking the time to attend to what spiritually benefits me. Might this serve as a metaphor for your life as well?

Jesus said, “For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be” (Matt. 24:27, NKJV). I struck the ground in a flash. One moment, I felt fine; the next, things had changed.

The coming of Christ is “near—at the doors!” (Matt. 24:33, NKJV). Too much is at stake for me to not adequately prepare for the challenges that come my way each day. My goal is to live each moment ready and eager for His return. Then and only then can I live to bless others.