Who wants to party with Jesus?

In the previous post I talked about Luke 14: 15-24 and said I was too busy to hang out with Jesus.  This is a continuation of that story. 
  
But the decorations are still hanging and the food is all prepared.  The table is set with his personalized touch.  So Jesus searches the area to find someone who doesn't feel the need to punish themselves with negative self images or to protect their own positive self image.  He finds someone who is comfortable with being poor and ordinary.  It's a simple human being who kind of resembles Jesus actually.  This person is hungry but also ready to listen and rest.  And that's exactly when the celebration gets started. 

After my very busy day I return home a little disappointed.  I expected to feel comfort in the fact that I was as productive as I could possibly have been.  I worked hard and gave my all, never wasting a moment.  Instead, while returning home I wondered if I made the right choices and implemented the decisions well.  I didn't feel comfort with giving my all.  I felt anxious.  I began to judge my behaviours and worried if they were as selflessly motivated as I thought they were. 

While in the midst of this analysis I arrive home where Jesus had been all day enjoying the party with several others.  The old Martha/Mary Bible story runs thru my mind and I think, "Well just look at them!  Resting and eating and laughing while I was out there working hard all day."  But of course I remember that I was invited to be here too.It's no wonder they are all enjoying themselves; Jesus is with them.  He is feeding them, filling up their minds and their bodies.  He is paying attention to each of them so each  one feels special to him.  Releasing my burdens with a deep, deep sigh I make my way to the table where Jesus sees me.  He smiles. 

too busy to hang out with Jesus

Luke 14:15-24
So I would have been one of the guests invited to a party Jesus was having.  I am an invited guest!  It's bound to be a great party!  When Jesus has everything prepared and asks me to come I say- " I have some things to do for my family and then I'll be right there." Jesus replies, "But the banquet is ready now.  And I'd really like you to come.  That's why I invited you.  Everything has been prepared for you." 
So I say, "I'm sorry but I'm distracted and very busy.  See, what I'm doing here for you? "  or
"See my imperfections?  I have to work on getting them corrected before I can go to your party.  Gotta run. "  So my Lord watches me walk away from him so that I can continue my journey~

• to one day feel worthy enough to be in his presence
• to use up all the talents God gave me so I can rest with a clear conscience one day in his presence
• to do something beautiful enough to make him proud of me 

He hears me say, "Talk to you later.  Maybe I'll text you" as I quicken my pace and run ahead. 

Alone, Jesus says aloud, "But I've been looking forward to this and preparing everything for a long time so it would be great."  Sadly he says good bye to his hope for this special celebration we were to have together and accepts my choices, my decision to go another way. 

in all things "Give Thanks! "

1st Thes: “Comfort the frightened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Don’t repay evil with evil but always do good. Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus.”

Corrie Ten Boom’s (author of The Hiding Place) whole family died during the World War including her sister who was her companion in the concentration camp. But Betsie never ceased to thank God “in all circumstances”. The fact that the barracks were filled with fleas and live meant no soldiers would enter into it. That allowed them to read the Gospels aloud and to pray. Betsie saw everything as a gift from God and prayed for their persecutors until she died there.

For what should I be thankful today?