The Invitation
You received the strange invitation a week ago, and honestly, you had been dreading the meeting as the day inched closer and closer.
You did not have time for this; your college life was entirely too busy. On top of that the card stated, "You are invited..." One is never invited to something before sunrise; before sunrise is an appointment--a summons.
"You are invited to a special time of meeting.
Five minutes before sunrise.
We are looking forward to seeing you."
Yes, the invitation was slightly cryptic, but deep in your soul, you knew it was time to meet.
Like being summoned to the principal's office or being told the boss needed to see you immediately, your mind spiraled over all the possible scenarios that could have led to this summons.
The appointment time arrived. Five minutes before sunrise.
You approached the meeting place filled with trepidation. Heavy ornate curtains were draped across the threshold, but one could see a slight gap to make the entrance clear.
You took a deep breath as you crossed through the curtain to the room beyond.
Your heart raced as you took in the scene. The room had a warm candlelit-type glow to it, but there were no candles. A solid wood dining room table was in the center of the room. Three of the chairs were already occupied.
You somewhat hesitantly filled the fourth chair.
You sat. Quiet. Humbled. Guilty. Uncertain.
The realization of the invitation landed on your heart.
You were sitting at a table with the Triune God. The Trinity wanted to meet with you? Your appointment was with God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Like a dreaded intervention, this was a long-put-off meeting with your spiritual family.
At first, the Three spoke as One, "It is so good to see you. How are you doing?"
Wait. What? Almighty God wants to know how you are?
This isn't a scolding that you haven't been going to church enough?
This isn't a meeting about putting more money in the offering plate?
The weight of the moment hit your brain first, then it settled into your heart. Your eyes filled. Silence filled the room as they waited for your response. It wasn't the weighty classroom silence after a teacher asks for a volunteer, but it was a comfortable, patient silence. God Almighty wanted to know how you are.
You didn't have a response at first. How are you? You haven't taken any time to think about it. You have just been hurriedly, breathlessly, going from one thing to the next.
You feel the need to start with apologies and excuses. You had planned to offer your prepared explanations for why you hadn't kept in touch, but as you slowly looked into the eyes of those seated at the table, your heart told you that you just needed to answer the question.
You slowly swallowed, stifled your tears, and turned to Jesus. You explained your roommate issues, and He nods knowingly. "Getting along with others is tough; you can't imagine the skirmishes amongst the disciples that would come up every day." He chuckled a little at the memory, and then became serious again and offered you some beautiful, insightful advice about how to handle the situation.
A pause.
You soaked in the peace and the comfort you felt at finally talking with someone about your roommates. The problem didn't seem so overwhelming anymore. You thought back to memories of Jesus that you had in the past, and you thank Him for the example He provided and for the sacrifices He made for you.
You turned to Almighty God the Father next. He asked, "How are you handling everything?"
You took a deep breath and shared honestly. The adjustment had been more challenging than you thought it would be, but you assured him that you are figuring it all out. The car was running well and you have paid the bills.
He nodded and smiled with pride, He then complimented you on your tenacity and strength.
You thanked Him for being such a faithful Provider for you all of these years.
Another silence.
Holy Spirit Mother asked for your attention. She looked deep into your eyes, and in that instant, you knew that she knew. Your eyes again brim with tears. You took a deep breath and with a weak, shaking voice, you began to share, "Life has been so hard." The facade you had been holding onto slowly slid away. All the challenges you had been facing tumbled out.
The Holy Spirit took your hand, and your eyes and your spirit lifted instantly as a peace calmed your spiraling thoughts.
"We know...We knew this would be challenging. We knew that you felt like you were living in the midst of a storm at sea. You stubbornly were trying to do everything all by yourself. But--look at me please.... We were there. We are here! God the Father was there--God the Son was there--I was there. We have not--nor will we ever--leave your side. Remember to seek us--acknowledge us--ask us. We can--and will--guide you. Living in your own power is exhausting; let us offer you wisdom and strength each day. We don't want you to just do things for us--we want you to serve with us."
They all again spoke in unison. "We know...Be still...We know...We love you so much."
You believed them, and you were renewed. You thanked each of them for their loving guidance and protection over your life. You reassured them that you would be meeting with them regularly, and that next time you would let them do more of the talking.
You stood to leave, and you felt the overwhelming urge to kneel--to bow--to submit--to yield your all.
You confessed that you had dreaded the invitation and that you looked at it more as an obligation than an invitation. You admitted that you had come to think of this relationship as a duty to be scheduled on Sunday mornings. You asked for forgiveness and then you boldly asked for wisdom. You specifically turned to Jesus like you would a teammate, and said, "Teach me, please. Teach me to be more like You."
When you rose to your feet again, you lifted your head higher and you pushed your shoulders back in order to stand taller--straighter--prouder.
Your voice, clearer than at any other point in the meeting, full of confidence,
"Thank You for meeting with me. Thank You for letting me be a part of this Heavenly Family."
"Commit to the LORD whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans." ~Proverbs 16:3
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