Today’s reflection is offered by one of our CPE Interns Cherie Shaw.

Belonging

Music spilled into the church lobby. It was an informal call to worship. I became focused on getting to my seat as I walked past a homeless gentleman who attended services on Sunday mornings.  Behind me was another man who was less preoccupied than me. I heard him say, “Nice to see you today!” to the man with no address.

The simple response sinks into my heart and serves as a reminder about the importance of belonging, “Nice to be seen.” The words are a door cracked open. One that allows me to peek in and receive a needed reminder: all of us long for connection, all of us hurt when it’s missing.

The messages that silently attach themselves to “Nice to be seen” are, “Most people don’t see me,” “I am lonely,” “I long for connection.”  Those silent words somehow humble and comfort me. I feel the sting in “Most people don’t see me” because I am one of those people who didn’t see. I feel our alikeness in “I am lonely,” and “I long for connection” which makes me grateful that someone walking behind me knows how important belonging is and takes the time to see others.

This encounter sends an invitation. I’m invited to reflect on my need for belonging and ask myself what is working and what is not in this area of my life. I’m also invited to slow down and see those I am apt to hurry past and offer a smile or kind word that says, “I see you and you belong.” May we all receive the invitation and respond compassionately to others and to ourselves.

In the words of John O’Donohue, “May you find harmony between your soul and your life, may there be kindness in your gaze when you look within, and may you allow the wild beauty of the invisible world to gather you, mind you, and embrace you in belonging.”