Oh, Yes! It is my favorite time of the week again. So, set your timer, clear your head, for five minutes of free writing without worrying about getting it right.
1. Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.
2. Link back over at Lisa Jo's place and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
2. Link back over at Lisa Jo's place and invite others to join in.
3. And then absolutely, no ifs, ands or buts about it, you need to visit the person who linked up before you & encourage them in their comments. Seriously. That is, like, the rule. And the fun. And the heart of this community..
OK, are you ready? Please give us your best five minutes on:::
BELONG
I used to dream of fitting in. Of belonging somewhere, someplace and to someone. I used to want to have someone to love me just as I am, unconditionally with hands outstretched in understanding and acceptance. I never really understood what it was like to belong. To be part of a group or a family or an organization. I was the kid everyone made fun of. The one who tried to make good grades, who couldn't hit a softball, and was always selected last for any team activity. It was a good day when I was next to last. I was the one who didn't have many friends and kept to myself. I was the one who felt alone and lonely.
I graduated, go married, had children and learned that belonging is a lot of work. I washed sticky fingers and dirty faces for years. I had no time to join groups or to "find myself". As I have gotten older, I have learned that belonging is not just something that happens. It is something you learn through service and love. Now I belong to friends I have met online and to friends I have met by my home. I belong to a loving family who care for me and accept me. I am not perfect. I make lots of mistakes, but I am loved inspite of them. I have learned that belonging is, at least partly, up to me.
When I start to feel alone, I look for places to serve, I look for people who need me, I look for someone who needs a friend. And I find, I belong once again.
STOP
Now it is your turn. What can you write in just five minutes? Don't forget to go over to Lisa Jo's and join the rest of us!
I felt a lot like that as a kid too. Great post!
ReplyDelete"I have learned that belonging is not just something that happens. It is something you learn through service and love." ---this is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteyes! Personal responsibility! So very true. It is so important to be part of community...to belong.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the God work.
amen, very well said.
ReplyDeleteSounds like we were kindred spirits as children. Well written. Glad you found your place too.
ReplyDelete