An Invitation

I walked to the mail box the other day and discovered this in the mail!  It was an invitation to a party--not just any party but a self-pity party.  Well I stood there holding it in my hands, debating (mistake number one) whether I should accept or not.  I mean it's been awhile and I have been doing so well with walking with the Lord and allowing Him to work a good work within me.

"What could it hurt?  I deserve it and I won't stay long--just a few minutes, then leave."

So I accepted and when I arrived the table was set so beautifully.

It had all of my favorite things there and very pleasing to the eye.  I pulled up a chair and sat down.  I don't have to tell you what goes on at a self-pity party--we have all been there.  I have to admit it was fun at the beginning--I mean I deserve this--don't I?

After a few days of it though, I was tired and missing my fellowship with the Lord.  But although it was easy to accept the invitation, it was very hard to leave.  I became miserable--and what began as a beautifully set table for tea--quickly became a table where I no longer wanted to be.

"Lord, what do I do?" 

"Get up--just leave and return to My table."

So I did and hopefully just the thoughts of the party will keep me away for a long time.  Now the good news is I didn't stay as long as I normally would have.  And maybe next time I reach in the mailbox and pull out another invitation--I will call on the Lord before I open it and not wait until I've been seated!