One of the things I dislike most in the world is entertaining. And yet today, I am having 16 people over to my house for a birthday party. And I'm happy about it.

What? Isn't that a huge contradiction?

Let me explain. Yes, it's true that I dislike entertaining. I'm an introvert by nature and entertaining makes me very anxious. It also exhausts me emotionally.

So why do I do it? To give a good time to my family and friends. Today, for example, is my elderly aunt's birthday. She's a widow and her only daughter lives quite far away. I wanted my aunt to feel really special on her birthday. So I invited the whole extended family and am making a special afternoon tea for her.

Not only will my aunt feel special, but I know my mom (my aunt's sister) feels proud that I am doing this.

I think about these two women who have hosted countless birthday parties, Easter celebrations, and Christmas feasts over the years...and it seems only fitting that they now get to be hosted.

So that's why I'm happy about doing something I dislike.

Note added May 9, 2007: This article was chosen to be included in the Carnivals of Miracles.