There is something special about being the member of a team. It is as if one finally has tangible affirmation that others really want you to be part of a special group. Families are different. Regardless of the fights, in spite of the distance, you know that you are part of the whole because of your blood relationship. The difference between something that is automatic and being chosen is very different. When I read about adoption, the belief and trust that follows a long term relationship with parents that truly wanted, love, and care for you defines a strong sense of belonging. Being part of a team can, over time, begins to approach that dynamic.
I find myself, like everyone else, needed to believe and feel that others want me to be part of their group. There isn’t anything wrong with wanting to fit it; actually it is a natural desire that all of us carry within our souls. Problems often come when we are not satisfied with the relationships to which we belong. It isn’t a matter of wanting more, it is primarily a feeling growing into a statement that we really don’t belong to anything that matters.
This feeling or sense of being alone doesn’t end with the people around us. The gap extends right up to and probably starts in our relationship with God. Are we worthy of a relationship? We knows hundreds of reasons why the answer is no. Is God really interested in us? Again, we know hundreds of reasons why the answer is no. Can we ever be faithful to God if everything is defined by love and selflessness? Again, in our hearts we know the certainty of our “no”.
The trouble with our logic is that it ignores God. The beings worshipping God understood God’s motives.
“Worthy, Oh Master! Yes, our God! Take the glory! the honor! the power!
You created it all; it was created because you wanted it.’” (Revelation 4.11)
God loves us. God wanted us. God is interested in us. Always has been, always will be.
