fb live has become a terrific instrument in nearly every aspect of our work.  Opening doors to people around the world, folks who aren’t able to make it out to church can view it live at home on their smart tv or anyone – anywhere in the world – with access to the internet, can listen in and share the life changing lessons of love.

Last weekend I shared on The Gift of Belonging – and what a treasure it is that we share – this sense of somehow we belong – to something, to someone, to each other – we’re not alone.

Telling a story about family vacations as a child and traveling across the country in our Rambler station wagon, I shared how Dad drove until we arrived at the home of a family member, friend or someone from some church he’d once visited… we didn’t stay in hotels… as kids we wanted to but we spent our nights on couches, in strange beds and even on floors with blankets, hotels were out of the question, there was someplace, with someone, where we belonged.

I usually dreaded it and longed to experience the wealth of a room where no one knew us, no stories were told or songs sung.  A place where we could finally eat at an advertised road stop and maybe even buy a pecan log.  To be just another family of anonymous travelers along the road.

But that wasn’t us.  We were Denton’s.  It seemed that someone always had a place for us somewhere.

We belonged.  As kids, we took it for granted.  Abused it.  Assumed everyone enjoyed that belonging that we’d done nothing to acquire – other than to be born into our family.

On my own, I stopped dropping in on people.  As an adult, even when visiting family out of town, I made sure to get a hotel room.  Not for my kids or Debi… I’d just stayed in enough dens, bedrooms and on other peoples couches… I was over it.

Even in the ministry, I’m not proud to admit to this, when traveling to speak – and I was asked how much it would cost, I’ve always said “Just get us a room in a nice hotel.  Something the family will enjoy.  Nothing more is necessary.”

People have been generous.  We’ve stayed in some great places.  But I often think about the many couches, strange smelling bedrooms and late nights of conversations – filled with laughter, tears and song – that I’ve probably missed and that my children didn’t have the opportunity to experience…

I grew up assuming everyone stayed in the homes of family and friends – together – all crammed in – wherever they’d fit for the night.

“Do you realize what a blessed childhood you had?  What a wonderful family life?”

It was a simple question from a member of Central Community following the message.  My experience hadn’t been his experience.  He knew nothing about that “Gift of Belonging” but he knew a whole bunch about being alone, apart, and another hotel room being just that – another empty room.

If you’re experiencing a time of loneliness or feel like you can’t find a place where you belong, listen in to this message and follow the simple steps I outline to discover a greater sense of belonging.  Then, when your done, take a risk and follow through.  Get involved.  Knock on a friends door.  Invite yourself in… they may have been waiting for a visit.

We belong together.

I’ve often thought that if I suddenly found myself alone and needed a new sense of purpose and adventure, I’d begin by purchasing an old Triumph 650 Bonneville on craigslist – somewhere back east.  Buy a one way ticket to where ever it was, clean it up, then begin a ride home to California and only stay with friends from fb, just dropping in and knocking on doors.

“Surprise!  It’s me.”

Reacquainting with people from across the decades face to face – wake up in the morning – journal a bit about the reunion, kick start the bike and head off again, uncertain if I’d go 50 or 500 miles in the day, just hoping there’d be someone who’d let me crash on their couch, share a cup of coffee, and spend a few minutes celebrating the gift of belonging.

We weren’t meant to ignore each other or be alone.  We belong together – even when it’s uncomfortable – sometimes especially when it’s uncomfortable.

We’re family and belonging is a gift that too many of us fail to open.

“The gospel alone liberates you to live a life of scandalous generosity, unrestrained sacrifice, uncommon valor, and unbounded courage.”                         Tullian Tchividjian

If I ever knock on your door, let me in, please.

blessings,

Eric