Once they came, I had to make sure to keep them in a place where curious but possibly destructive hands would not get a hold of them. I’ve learned time and again to keep the important things in safe and special places.

On the day of the eclipse, we had an appointment at the therapy center and while there was a prediction of when to expect the eclipse to begin. I brought the glasses with me just in case. How many times has the weather changed from what was predicted. I was taking no chances.

As we drove, my spirited little one asked to see the glasses. I said no. But why mom? I explained that sometimes we break things without meaning to. I have just enough glasses for everyone to use. If they get broken before the eclipse, we won’t be able to use them to see it when we need them. She was disappointed but it helped her to understand. She said OK and was able to refrain from touching them after that.

You know what I immediately thought of right after this conversation? Jesus Christ taught a parable about the Ten Virgins. (Matthew 25, KJV)

Vs 1: These women took their lamps to go meet the bridegroom.

Vs 3: Five were foolish and took no oil with them.

Vs 4: Five were wise and had oil for their lamps.

Vs 5: While the bridegroom tarried, they slumbered and slept.

Vs 6: At Midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

Vs 7-9: They arose and trimmed their lamps. The foolish said unto the wise, “Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out.” But the wise answered, saying, “Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.”

Vs 10-11: And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying “Lord, Lord, open to us.”

Vs 12: But he answered and said, “Verily I say unto you, I know you not.”

Vs 13: Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.

Okay, let’s break this down. The ten virgins represent us. They each have their own oil lamp. The oil that fills the lamp is our knowledge and faith of Jesus Christ, our love and connection to Him. The wise virgins represent those that work diligently to keep close to Him. Them “filling their lamp” is us feeding our spiritual selves by praying to God through Jesus Christ, reading the scriptures to know God and Jesus Christ, and keeping the commandments not because we understand why we should, but because we were commanded to. By being obedient, we come to know Him more. He understands our hearts and our intentions.

As the bridegroom tarries and the virgins all slumbered and slept. This is talking about the time before Christ comes again. The Second Coming. The virgins slumbering does not mean they are sleeping. It means that we are not fully aware of things as God and Jesus Christ understand. Our understanding is “slumbering”.

When the cry comes at midnight, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him”, they go to trim their lamps. This is representative of their ability to feel the spirit. To have that connection more completely to Jesus Christ and Heavenly Father.

The foolish virgins realize that they can “trim” their lamp, but without the precious oil (the spiritual preparation) it won’t burn. The light won’t be sustained. They ask the wise virgins for them to share their oil.

The wise reply that they cannot. This is symbolic of the fact that we can share the knowledge and spiritual experiences that we have had, but we cannot give it to them. They HAVE to do the work, put for the effort to gain that for themselves.

While the foolish virgins went to “buy” the oil, the bridegroom came. They missed his coming. He met those that were ready, and they all went in together and shut the door. When Jesus Christ comes again, He will only come to those that are prepared spiritually first. Those that are not prepared will not participate in that celebration or reunion.

Then the foolish virgins came back and called “open to us” And he answered, “I know you not.” Instead, you could interpret this as, “You knew me not”.

Jesus ends the parable saying: Be watchful. You don’t know when He will come again. Be prepared. Be mindful. Use the time that He is “tarrying” wisely.

Why doesn’t He know them? Because they didn’t make knowing Him a priority in their lives. I used to be that person. I want to be one of the wise virgins. I am learning to know Him. I love to read about Him. I love to think about Him. I am learning and growing so much as I do this. I am coming to know Him. I hope that He feels the same for me.

I am happy to report that the solar eclipse glasses made it intact that day and we were all able to watch the partial eclipse. Doing this was a little tricky with big need impulsive kids, but we did it. We got to participate in an amazing experience together. We were prepared and we got to “go in”.

If you don’t feel like you have any oil in your lamp and have no idea where to begin, I suggest you start with learning how to pray. Not a repetitive prayer. An honest, sincere prayer.

Open with addressing Heavenly Father. Use those words. Think of Him as your Father. Really feel what that means. He will confirm it to you with great love. If you can’t feel it, don’t give up. It will come. I promise you this.

After that, pour out your heart to him. The good, the bad, the ugly. All of it. You will feel lighter when you are done. Maybe have some tissues nearby. He will embrace you in His love. That tends to bring out some strong emotions.

Finally, end your prayer in the name of Jesus Christ. It is through Him that we can talk with Heavenly Father. Think about that connection. About how because of Jesus Christ, we are able to connect with Him. Keep the tissues nearby. It is a beautiful connection.

In my post, Praying about earrings, I talk about a very important time in my life where I used these same steps and a couple more to feel all of this. I hope it helps you.