Dear Friends,
I felt it back when I was in Ms. Files class in East Elementary School. Not so many Valentine’s Day cards addressed to me as I had hoped that day. A rough day for a third grader… but apparently, I’m not alone.
According to a recent study outlined in the Harvard Business Review, corporate America is experiencing the impact of employees feeling it and investing heavily in addressing the concern. The New York Times reported last year that the British government has appointed a “Minister of Loneliness” to tackle the issue.
It’s called “isolation” or “loneliness” or simply “not belonging.” No small problem that touches elementary school kids, grownup workplace people, citizens around the globe, and through the history of mankind.
The Beatles lamented the common life of Eleanor Rigby in their song “All the Lonely People” and conclude with the two questions, “Where do they all come from?” and “Where do they all belong?”
The following words from the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands and from scripture help to answer the question of belonging.
“There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!”… Abraham Kuyper, Netherlands.
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!” Isaiah 43:1
“See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God’s children, and so, in fact, we are.” 1 John 3:1
Enjoy your belonging,
~Wynn