THE PARTY TO REMEMBER
The cake fell apart..we don’t have enough games.. our rented space is being used by another party..the app to order the pizzas isn’t working! when are Jakes friends coming? Kev has to leave…this is a disaster!!! And then Jesus showed up. In a big way. The cake multiplied and fed everyone and even had left overs. Our friends from our home group gave us the games we needed and more. Another party who had rented our space graciously used another space. The pizzas came and fed everyone. Our home group leader Bruce just felt “ led” to be at the party and helped with all the games ! And the friends came and kept coming , each finding their way to the park. It’s been said that you can measure the quality of a man by the friends they surround themselves with. And now we know why we are so proud of Jake. We were celebrating Jakes 22nd. birthday. It wasn’t supposed to be “the” party but it would be the last one with his friends from college . In the midst of the tournament the teams were playing, a guy named Greg showed up. He was homeless and asked me if I could spare some food, not money, because he was so hungry. God had multiplied all the food and drinks and I sat him down with more than he could eat. The next thing I saw was Greg joining Jakes team and having so much fun. And then he was gone. Jake and his friends embraced him as “ one of theirs”, giving Greg dignity, not pity. Before Greg left he thanked me for the best time, the party to remember. Although the games ( congrats JSL & whatever that stands for!). the food, the very small cake, the music, the presents, the words of gratitude for Jake, were awesome, it was their kindness to a homeless man named Greg that impacted me the most. I thought the party was for Jake and his friends..but just like Jesus, He always has a better plan. As I was stressing out like Martha ( you can read about her in Luke 10:38-42) about all the details of the party, Jesus was getting Greg ready to meet Him thru the kindness and generosity of his true disciples… I was exhausted when I went to bed last night ( and still am!) but I will always remember this party. Happy 22nd birthday Jake! May God continue to give and your friends blessings and favor as you go out in the world to show the love of Jesus through your kindness and compassion for others.