Belonging

So much to blog about, so little time....

It has been awhile since I blogged, but that time has been very blessed. I have a feeling my posts are going to become even more vast with the holidays in full gear. However, I want to write about my trip to Georgia.

As I drove home alone, with nothing but time to reflect on my wonderful weekend full of good conversation with family, I tried to think of one word that would sum up my trip.....belonging.

I have spent a lot of time these past few months thinking of who I am, who God wants me to be, what church do I belong to, where do I fit in my role on this earth? Where do I belong? We all want a sense of belonging. We want a group of friends who love us for who we are (even if we aren't sure who that really is from time to time). We want a sense of community. And in turn, we feel stronger to do the things God calls us to do. We all need to be loved. And that's what I felt this past weekend, loved. I had the wonderful opportunity to talk with aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and my brother. I heard the wonderful things that were happening in their lives, and in return they listened to the happenings of my life. I got to know a few relatives better, because of the time we had. But perhaps the most impact I had, was seeing my Grandparents. They are becoming quite a bit weaker, and it may even be the last time I see them. But I had the opportunity of listening to a joyous snicker from my Grandpa, and see my Grandma gently grasp the hand of her husband. My Grandfather may not have even recognized me, but the way he hugged me with what seemed to be all the strength he had in those frail arms, gave me a sense of belonging. He loved me, he loves his family. And that love has carried down in generations. I do have a sense of belonging. I am loved by my family, and I belong to them. But most of all, I belong to my Heavenly Father, and that is evident through the love that my family shows each other.