This word brings to mind a story that helps me connect to how important it is to always be awake when needed. My husband loves to recall the time we drove to visit family in New Hampshire. One the way home, the day was gloomy and rainy. He jokes (but unfortunately, it’s true) that during our 10-hour drive, I slept for 9 of those hours. I remember him requesting me to stay awake with him during the long highway miles, to keep him alert. As much as I tried, my eyes felt like weights, and I just could not honor his request. I felt so guilty, but each time I tried harder, my eyelids still refused to obey.
During our journey this Lent, reading the emotionally awakening story of Jesus and His disciples in the Garden of Gethsemane, makes me feel like I am right there in that scene with the disciples. I can picture Jesus on His knees praying, in tears; and I’m embarrassed that I would most likely be among the disciples stretched out against the tree, oblivious to what Jesus’ was experiencing and His only request to stay awake with Him. Suddenly, I can feel Jesus’ disappointment each time He made His simple request known and each time they failed. Did they not understand or see His distress?
I pray that I would have been a more supportive friend and disciple. What about you? Would you have offered to pray with Him? Could you and I have consoled Him by staying awake and just being present or just simply by wrapping our arms around Him? I close my eyes and understand more how staying awake and being present with a good friend (or husband) when they need it the most can bring more comfort than we know. Writing this right now, I understand how important it was to Jesus for His followers to be awake with Him, to not be alone. As I sit quietly and remain in this scene in the Garden, my heart is filled with love for what Jesus was about to do for me. Let us remember this week to keep our eyes open and be awake with those around us. Try to take some time also to read Matthew 26:36-46. What would you have done when asked to stay awake? Would your eyelids have been like mine?
Let’s not miss the many opportunities each day to be aware of those around us – that someone that just needs us to sit with them, pray or listen during their hour of darkness? “ Jesus, help me to be your true disciple that takes the time to listen, to also spend time with you, showing you the support and love of a friend. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. Give me the strength to always be aware of your voice asking to “just stay awake with me.”
“Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. ‘Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?’ he asked Peter. ‘Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.’” Matthew 26:40-41
From God's Lips 