And we didn't even know the birthday girl (Kim) prior to her party.
My entire family of six benefited and was blessed simply because Kim wanted to bless more people through her celebration.
Kim is a friend of a friend. She had been planning the party for ages: Willy Wonka themed at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, birthday cake from a famous bakery, and as much candy as Wonka's factory for her guests.
Our mutual friend, Marti, told me about the party a few days before the big event. She was going over her families' costume ideas (because a larger-than-life party demands fun costumes!) and explaining all the plans:
"Kim got to meet Duff Goldman and decorate cakes with him...she got connected to a bakery in Austin, Cakes Rock...they have also been featured on the Food Network!...Kim is planning on all this candy...she bought tackle boxes for all the guests to fill with any candy they want! Kim is going as Willy Wonka...I think Rob and I will go as a Wonka Bar and a Golden Ticket...(candy candy candy fun fun fun)..."
My head was spinning, imagining all the logistics, time, money, and creativity implemented to pull off such a bash!
"And she needs more people to come!" Marti said.
"Say what now?" I reply.
"She reserved all these seats at the Alamo Drafthouse and there are several spots left. Not all her friends could make it...so she asked me to invite more people," Marti explained.
"Are you serious...like my whole family? Like not just the people she knows, but complete strangers she has never met...strangers with kids..." I couldn't wrap my mind around the generosity.
"Yes...you and your whole family."
Suddenly, I found myself in the middle of a Bible parable: the Parable of the Great Banquet. In Luke 14:15-24 Jesus tells of a "certain man" who planned this elaborate, amazing, larger-than-life party. He invited all his friends, only to find several could not attend. Knowing how grand his plans were for the party, he sent his servants to find anyone wishing to come. He was not about to waste his preparations. He wanted a celebration! The more the merrier!
Getting the invite for Kim's 40th birthday party from Marti, cast us into roles: Kim was the Generous Man, Marti the Servant, and me the Anyone Wishing to Come.
The whole situation taught me deeper truths about the Kingdom of God:
1. I am not entitled to His grace: it is a gift. (John 3:16). Like the invitation to attend an amazing party!
2. There is nothing I could have done to pay for admission: He invites us into His presence because He is generous. (Eph. 2:8-9; 3:20)
3. God likes parties. (1 John 1:3; Luke 15:10)
Ironically, Willy Wonka embodies God's grace and generosity as well: he wanted people to enjoy the factory with him. Wonka had planned, prepared, and worked hard to provide joy and good things to the world. He invited people into his factory to find one who would follow him. All broke his rules (even Charlie). But Charlie is the only repentant child: he knows he did wrong by drinking the Fizzy Lifting Drink and demonstrates good character and desire for right relationship with Wonka by returning the Everlasting Gobstopper (showing Wonka there is no risk of siding with Wonka's enemy, Slugworth). Charlie inherits the factory, and "lives happily ever after."
The Bible tells us that when we repent, God "is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). Coming into right relationship with God, we inherit the Kingdom through Jesus Christ (great explanation on that here). But His Kingdom won't spoil like the candy in Wonka's factory...truly "live happily ever after."
So, Kim, thank you again for including us! It was divine.
No comments:
Post a Comment