By Cynthia Aldinger, Founder of LifeWays North America When was the last time you were invited to a gathering which you really did not want to attend? Most of the time attendance is optional, whether it is a party, a city council meeting (open invitation), a grand opening or any number of public and private events. There are a few invitations, however, usually called summons, where attendance is required. Remember that time when you were called to jury duty, and failure to sh