Belonging

Warm and cuddly~safe and sound~ knowing you are with people who love you and they want you near them. That's what belonging feels like. Gift extraordinaire-belonging to  loving family, a church where you are part of a great circle of friends, or even a job where you are worth more than just the work you do. You are understood, respected for your uniqueness, appreciated for the richness different opinions and points of view bring. You never feel alone. You know that there is someone you can turn to for support, a kind word, a gentle touch. Someplace where you know your always welcome. That's the stuff that makes life worth living. For those without such a gift, the world is dark indeed. Give thanks if you belong somewhere.

An Answer to Pain

"God has not constructed us to be fueled by 
accomplishments, possessions, or trophies. 

He has constructed us to be fueled by love. 

And love only comes from being deeply connected to others. 
It is the most important aspect of human functioning:
without bonding, we die.
Period." 

Henry Cloud, 
"The Law of Happiness"