In the quietness, as I waited for an art-house movie screening, I could see overflow seats to my left. Each seat was isolated and in the dark. I am not even sure how one would get to them. As the room filled, they remained empty. Alone, seemingly abandoned, and in a different space. The feeling of being excluded was tangibly present. As the movie began, all attention turned to the screen, and the seats were forgotten.
I woke today remembering the seats. I wonder if they are ever filled. Did someone put them there to simply fill up space, a reminder to anyone caring to look at the difference between where they were and where others could be?
The Life whispered lessons I find myself holding are shaping my view of the day ahead.
Belonging is a shared thirst. From my earliest days, I wanted to be chosen. I needed to know that I was wanted. I desperately wanted to be included. While I knew I belonged with my head, it was my heart that needed the experience. As easy as it is to forget when I reconnect with Belonging, I see how quickly she reintroduces me to her close friends, Hope, Courage, and Motivation.
When I move beyond my thirst, I see opportunities to gift others with the restorative gift of belonging. In giving this away, I find myself experiencing the joy of community. It is the realisation of Paul’s observation; “As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance: Then I’ll join outsiders in a hymn-sing; I’ll sing to your name!” (Romans 15.9). Life is experienced through the frame of “we” which is so much more than “I”.
It is hard to remember that there is a seat for everyone. We live in a shared story. In this awareness, I hear my calling today; to give, to share, and to be fully present for everyone who shares my path.
