you’re invited

Big crocodile tears pooled in the corners of her eyes, and I knew the spillover would be a flood.

I’d done my best to conceal the information from her, but she’d found out anyway. She hadn’t received an invitation to the party, and she wouldn’t no matter how desperately she wished otherwise.

“But why can’t I go, Mom? I really, really want to.”

“I know, honey. And I know it hurts not to be included, but there isn’t enough room for her to invite everyone she knows.”

“She doesn’t have to invite everyone else. Just me.”

I reminded her parties are just that way. Sometimes invitations are sent, sometimes they’re not. There would be parties she would attend that others wouldn’t, and she would have parties with limited guest lists.

But I understood. I could sympathize entirely because I’d been there, too. Still am. Back in my adolescence, however, I didn’t know about the parties until they were a thing of the past. Sure, it stung, but I never saw real time photos of the fun I’d missed out on - unlike today. Thankfully, she wouldn’t see the evidence and maybe that would help her move on faster.

“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, by wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare. Give ear and come to me; listen that you may live.” – Isaiah 55:1-3

The truth is, we’ll all be excluded in this life. Our name won’t be on every guest list. Our mailbox will lack invitations. Not every table will include an extra seat. Capacity is limited. It’s a harsh and hurtful reality.

But God’s kingdom doesn’t operate the same. He has extended the invitation to all. To you and to me and to anyone who desires to be included.

A warm welcome at any time.

Because God has made sufficient room for everyone who desires to come.

So come, eat, rest, be satisfied, listen, and live.