I am still the new kid at work. People know I do not know the right words, understand the organization’s culture, or have automatic connections. I know that senior members of the bank invited me to join, however I also know that in the eyes of many I am still an outsider.
I have discovered that I also have many origins. As I applied for an Indian visa the other day I asked if I could get a special visa for those of “Indian origin”. Given that my birthplace is in India, I should qualify. The conversations that followed were interesting, insightful, and also somewhat humorous. In the end, the conclusion was that I was part of the Indian family and they, the Embassy, would give me a special 5-year, multiple-entry for any purpose visa.
On many levels, I know where I belong. I have an immediate family and a larger one that supports me regardless. When I step back and reflect, it is easy to feel alone, uneasy about the future, and to doubt if I am part of something bigger. Do I really belong? Was I invited? When others tell me yes and yes, my doubts and questions danced unfettered. When, where, and why?
God is candid about the scope of His invitation.
“Having dismissed her serving maids, Lady Wisdom goes to town, stands in a prominent place, and invites everyone within sound of her voice; ‘Are you confused about life, don’t know what’s going on? Come with me, oh come, have dinner with me!” (Proverbs 9.3,4,5)
You and I are invited, without any preconditions. We stand before God, equally precious to Him. The scope and depth of the invitation is extraordinary! God decided, without our knowledge, consent, or involvement, that we were extremely valuable. So valuable that He took the steps to make sure that we could always be with Him.
I often find life overwhelming. It is then that I hear God call, “come home, rest, and break bread with me.” Life forever changes when I say “yes.” You are also invited.
