I grew up the youngest of four sons and by the time I was a teenager I was the only one left at home. My parents often went on short trips leaving me alone – which I liked. Before leaving, they gave the usual instructions about keeping the house in order and feeding the pets. My method was to let everything go and then do a massive clean-up right before they were due home.

One time they went on a longer trip to Florida. The house could have been condemned by a health inspector. One day my parents called to see how everything was going and I said, “Great.” My Mother asked if I was remembering to feed Peter, her pet parakeet. Peter had a huge vocabulary and because my mother is from England, he spoke with a British accent. When I looked over into his cage, Peter was lying on the bottom of the cage, dead, and I knew I was in serious trouble.

After the call I thought about buying a replacement that looked like Peter but I knew the chances of teaching him to talk in three days weren’t good. I had to face it – I was in deep trouble.

Needless to say, when my parents arrived home they were sad and angry. The good news is that they didn’t disown me or stop feeding me. I was still their son. But I’ve always wished that I’d done what I was supposed to do.

I think of that experience when I read what Jesus told us regarding his second coming, “You also must be ready…” and, “from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.” Jesus calls us to readiness, responsibility and accountability. Are you ready?