I have always had difficulty interpreting this parable. It is almost two messages. The first being; always enjoy the presence of the Lord fully when you have the opportunity to do so; don’t separate yourself in any way possible, even by fasting or concentrating on something else. The other being you have to be ready for the experience to meet your creator. That means we have to be ready to receive him in our heart, and not go back to our sinful ways and “pretend” to accept him, when our actions, thoughts and desires are based in our old ways. We must accept God with the an open heart.