Once upon a time, the Lord of an immense estate decided to throw a party for all of the richest, finest people of the lands. Receiving the invitation, each RSVP’d, promising to come. Their Host was known for great benevolence, generosity, and giving such exquisite parties that the future guests were immediately filled with anticipation — so many interesting people to meet and interesting things to do! It would be the best party of the year.

As the time grew near, the Lord of the estate and his helpers prepared the best of dishes, brought in rich wine from the cool cellars, picked the finest crops from the fields, and filled the air with the savory smells of delicious breads. Long tables were laid with beautiful tapestries, the finest crockery, and the most sparkling goblets. The estate grounds were breath-taking.

On the day of the party, the Host dressed in the finest of attire and awaited his special guests. Everything was perfect. Everything was ready. The helpers were eager to care for the guests, making sure they would want for nothing.

As the great Lord waited, a message arrived that one of the esteemed guests couldn’t come. His business machinery had broken down and he couldn’t leave until it was fixed; it would take days. Then another message arrived from a guest who had decided to get married that morning and was leaving for a honeymoon. And one by one the Host received an avalanche of messages… one had a stomachache, another had been up late working and was too tired, another had unexpected company and couldn’t leave. Message after message was brought to him until the last invited guest had declined.

The Host viewed the grand preparations and made a decision. He called to his helpers in a thunderous voice, “I have created this banquet and prepared this estate for the enjoyment of my guests; my House will be filled! Go into the cities and countryside, search the fields and forests, the mountains and deserts! Bring them all — the poor and sick, the lost and feeble, the forlorn and forgotten! Bring them all that the gifts of my party may be enjoyed!”

And they did.

And here we are.

And the Grand Party continues, with everything still being provided — helpers, sustenance, clothing, transport, a roof over our heads, interesting guests to talk to, and interesting things to do.

We don’t have to bring anything with us to this party or pay a price to attend. It is all provided and freely given.

Though not required or even requested, however, some guests say, “Thank you,” to the Host for being invited.

A Rendition of “The Party Story” — T. Wilson