We're All Guests at the Party

Some of us love a good party, others can’t wait for any party they have to attend to be over as quickly as possible.

Some don’t need much of an excuse for a party, others will only throw a party if it’s absolutely necessary.

Some parties are open invitation, others are especially designed for just a few.

Some parties are especially designed to honour an achievement or an individual (or small group who share something in common), others are held “just because”.

Do you get excited when you receive an invitation?  Or is it a mixed blessing?  Or, straight up, a hassle …!

For you, is the anticipation of a party usually better than the reality? Or, is the party itself better?

How do you feel, when you get to the party, and you see who else has been invited? 

Does it fill you with amazement – because “you too” have been invited to this gathering?  Or does it fill you with disappointment – because of others who are there that “made it onto the list” (what WAS the host thinking, inviting them)?

I admit – I like a party.  I love celebrating others.  I get joy out of finding connection with those who are also there.  And, I want to know the story of connection – with whoever is the focus of the party, with the host(s) … I am always amazed at the way God works in the stories of others – even when they don’t see it that way.

I have a hunch – possibly the result of decades of going to parties!  Good food, fun beverages, great experiences – they all contribute to the overall enjoyment of the party.  But I think the greatest single contributor to a party time “well spent” (full of joy and great memories) is attending it with a heart full of humility and thankfulness for the invitation.

Being invited is an honour.  Even if you feel you deserve to be there, it is still an honour to be asked. The host sees value in you being there – and they are hoping you’ll contribute to the overall experience being positive, memorable (for the right reasons) and uplifting.

Adopting the posture of being a guest all the time takes humility.  It requires us to maintain humility as we engage with the other party goers.  It sets a tone of hopefulness and wanting to see the best in the other.  And, in engaging humbly, we get to see all the good there is to be enjoyed.  

It also removes entitlement – that attitude some fall into the trap of adopting – an attitude which is a really party-killer.  Those who believe they should be there – that the party is all the better for them being there – are the ones at greatest risk of spoiling it for others and, indeed, not enjoying it themselves.

I think there is merit in seeing the experiences we get from being in a school community like ours as one big example of a party to which God has invited us all.  We are here because He found a way for us to join this community, we are here with His blessing.  

Our events are focused on the gifts God provides us with, each and every day.  Whether those events are about student achievement, establishing school culture, celebrating historic events or simply to enjoy each other’s company, we do well to remember that God has given us every one of these events, ultimately to bring glory to His name.

Being a guest does not abrogate our responsibilities – look at Jesus, at a family friend’s wedding party, performing His first miracle. Humbly submitting to the need, in order that others might be better able to enjoy the experience, Jesus made some spectacular wine for them to drink – out of nothing more than water.

Being a guest doesn’t mean we can’t stick up for those who don’t have a voice.  On the contrary, as guests, we are responsible for setting tone.  Will it honour God, or not? 

In the parable of the great banquet (you can find it in Luke 14), Jesus shows his impatience with those invited guests who couldn't be bothered to come. Instead, He says, the host tells his servant to go out into the mean streets and bring in those who never get an invite, the downcast and those on the outer, as they will truly understand the honour bestowed in receiving an invitation.

God has invited us to an amazing party at this school, each and every day.  In a real sense, we are only here together because He ordains it – He has made it happen. 

Rather than feeling as though it is our right, adopting a posture that we are all here to bless the other, in Jesus’ name, humbly submitting our wills to His greater plan – this is the culture that will enable our school to thrive.  To be fun, to be “like a party that never ends” – building the lives of all who call Donvale the school community God has gifted them with.

You’ll see me out the front – the guy with the streamers – welcoming you in. I’m ably supported by a whole group of eager staff, ready to share life with students and their families.  

We’ve got plenty to share, plenty of nourishing from God, plenty of good times ahead.  We, too, are guests at this party.  Our host, who is our creator God, beckons us in.  

As we humbly engage in God’s story as it unfolds within our gates, let’s give Him the glory for all the great things He has done.

Shalom.