My birthday is coming up in less then a month. I don’t often make much of my birthday. I don’t really like getting gifts and have for years (without much success) asked those who wanted to get me something to donate to a cause instead. If I ask anything, it’s been for others to share with me how I’ve had a positive impact on their lives, that’s about it.

I’m not sure I’ll change that routine, but I’ve had an idea brewing for about a year and figured I’d just share it here. Thanks to Facebook and other social sites, I’ve had close friends and mere acquaintances use their birthday’s as a chance to fundraise for a cause of their choice. It’s been fun to see that and I’d like to encourage it to continue as an alternative to further consumption.

My idea is a bit different, and it’s inspired by this passage:

Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. (Luke 14:12-14)

Though I’m not positive what to make of Jesus’ statement or following parable, I do think he meant it more literally then figuratively. And so I find it quite sad that 2000 years later, many “christ-followers” (myself included) seem far from following anything close to that statement of Jesus.

What if my birthday was a big banquet with those who couldn’t repay me? What if my birthday wish was for others to consider Christ words and hold their own banquets? Maybe it’s a reservation at a restaurant, maybe a meal at your home, or a party in the park. I’m not quite sure, I’d just think a great birthday wish would be for us to take Jesus’ words and “crazy ideas” a little more seriously. That’s my birthday wish.

[photo credit]