Belonging

Belonging.... Such a nice comfy word.  Something I think all people want and need.  Belonging... Not every person experiences the warm and blessed comfortable feeling of belonging.  Have you seen them on the street?  Have you seen them on a park bench?  Have you heard their pleas for help?  Have you been in an orphanage and looked into the children's eyes?  The longing for something they don't have... The pleading for something they hope you can give them?  I have.  It doesn't matter if it is in the city, small town or the countryside.  It doesn't even matter what country you are in.  It doesn't matter if it is in an orphanage or a nursing home or walking along a sidewalk... There are pleading eyes and hands of many whether young or old, where ever you go.  

I've been to orphanages, nursing homes, parks, stores, street cornors and parking lots.  I've been to several other countries.  I've been all over our country.  I have experienced the raw emotions of the children, the elderly, the middle aged.  Their longing to belong to someone.

What am I doing about it?  What are you doing about it?  Do we hurry to the other side of the street?  Do we stop to look but without a word, move on?  Do we have a dozen excuses why we can't stop to help?

     "They will just use the money on drugs anyway."                                 

     "Those children are from another country.  We should only 

      help 'our own' children."

          "That place stinks.  I couldn't possibly go in there!"

     "I send money to _________ (fill in the name of some 

      organization)."

     "...."

Or do we stop to talk with them.  Ask their name?  Lay a hand on their shoulder.  Smile at them.  Do we ask their need?  Do we offer assistance... of any kind?

But we say,...

      "That takes time that I don't have..."

      "That feels so awkward..."

      "I don't have any money to waste...."

      "It is too sad to look into thier eyes...."

Yes.  Yes it does!

But isn't that what we have been given when we belong?  Time...money...emotional support?  Plus so much more? Hugs, prayers, shared tears, shared joys, advice, a time to be quiet but be together, a time to sing, dance, and be noisy?  And the list goes on!

Belonging...Do you belong?  

Gifts for Dads