MANY years ago I used to hear about a little girl named Clara, and I knew the Christian friend of whose visit I am going to tell you.
Clara’s mother was out when he called, and the child was at home by herself.
“Clara,” he said, “I want to know if you can tell me the difference between being ready and watching.”
What he had in his mind was this: many persons are quite “ready” for the coming of the Lord. Their sins are all gone, washed away by His precious blood, and they feel quite secure, knowing that they will be taken up to meet Him in the air when the moment comes. But are all of these “watching” for Him?
No, surely not. Their lives are filled up with many interests; their hearts are cleaving to many things in this world. We might say in one word that, although their souls are saved, their hearts are not devoted to the One from whom all their blessings come.
But to return to Clara. She said,
“O! yes Mr.—, I think I can. You see I have the house ready for mother. The supper table is spread, so I have nothing more to do. But when the time gets very near, I get up on a chair (and I would do that now, Mr. —if you were not here!) to watch until I see her on the brow of the hill, and then—I run out to meet her!”
I do not remember the words in which this dear child of God went on to tell her friend that she was not only ready, but watching for the One to whom her young heart went out in grateful, adoring affection; but I know he was cheered and refreshed by his visit.
ML 12/28/1924