"looking through the blinds."
I like that visualization! ;) Yes, we need to stay on our toes.
They ask "What will be the sign of your return."
My understanding of that chapter, after years of consideration, differs from most commentators. Most I have read take the entire laundry list of things Jesus says there as "signs of his near return."
In contrast, I take the list as "all this stuff will happen and be happening, don't let it distract you."
In other words, I think Jesus is saying this:
"You want to know the sign of my return? The sign of my return is my return, which will be unmistakable and un-forgeable."
I hope we see it in our lifetime. Its what I live for. I am completely consumed by Him.
I could not agree more! :) :D