On Tuesday night, at a Young Life leader meeting, my friend Bryan challenged us to answer a question that Jesus asked two of John the Baptist followers when they began to follow him in John 1:38: “What are you seeking?”
While I didn’t actually answer the question out loud on Tuesday (because, as an introvert, it usually takes me a while to process things and by the time I’ve formulated what I want to say, the conversation has moved on), I immediately knew my answer: belonging, love, acceptance.
Growing up, I never felt like I found the place where I belonged. I often felt alienated and lonely. And, in my searching, I found God to be my answer. When I was in my darkest moments, I was reminded through scripture of God’s deep love for me. And, it was in this love that I found purpose.
“Freely you have received; freely give.” – Matthew 10:8
My own search for belonging and this reminder of God’s incomparable love is what led me to become a teacher, and it is what got me involved in Young Life, and it is what ultimately gave me the courage to go on this journey. My own experiences have given me a passion for showing others the same love that I received from my Savior—to show them that they belong and they are deeply loved.
While I am not perfect, and I still find myself seeking for belonging elsewhere, I’ve found in my searching that nothing compares to the peace that Christ gives. And, I am content to answer along with Heidelberg Catechism Question & Answer #1, “What is your only comfort in life and death?”
“That I am not my own, but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death, to my faithful Savior Jesus Christ.”
