Belonging

I belong to my beloved, and my beloved belongs to me.

Song of Solomon Chapter 6 v 3 (King James Bible Old Testament)

This is a picture of my wonderful daughter in law Lara, cuddling my wonderful cavalier Bertie, in my wonderful garden room. I love it because I love them both and they both look so snug and at home – together. Home feels like this to me. A place to be me, safe and secure, loved and relaxed, shared with people I love. A place of belonging.

I remember feeling very different. I was far from home in a foreign city on a work trip. It was a good trip, lots of friendly people, in an interesting capitol city. We had an afternoon off and together went to see local attractions; had delicious food, relaxed. Some decided to carry on and go out into the city night; I was tired and headed back to my hotel.

I walked back alone through this beautiful city, full of people, alive with activity. It was interesting to take it in and look around. I like to ‘people watch’ and notice what people were up to, how they were interacting. It was warm Saturday evening. They were glad to be together, laughing and talking.

But as I passed them and looked into their faces, they looked straight past me, through me. I meant nothing to them, their eyes did not flicker with recognition as they saw me. No one treated me bad but neither did anyone treat me well. Who would care if I lived or died, or made it back to my hotel? I was a stranger. I did not belong

It was such a strong feeling; an upsetting feeling. I could not escape it or change it by running to friends and family. I was far away from home. All my family in my home country were asleep. My wifi was intermittent. I just had to experience it and taste this for a while – what it was like not to belong. It was cold and grey, and unnerving.

Belonging is such a beautiful thing. It is a treasure. It gives me meaning. To share life with family and friends. To have a chat with someone who really cares about what I am saying and notices what’s going on in my life. To have the privilege of listening to someone as they tell me their story, their hopes and fears. To journey with them through a time in their life.

Perhaps this is why Solomon’s words mean so much to me. They also astound me. I read them as a message from God to me, reminding me that He loves me and I belong to Him. Not just from afar, but journey life with Him. He will listen to any of my stories, tells me His stories. It gives my life meaning. It is a mystery and a treasure of great price.

I belong to my beloved, and my beloved belongs to me.

Song of Solomon Chapter 6 v 3 (King James Bible Old Testament)