The more that I, and we, live and grow into the fullness of being to which God calls us, the more we belong to God and ourselves. When we belong like that, we’ll find belonging wherever we go.

For reflection:

• Have you ever felt like you don’t belong? What brought about that feeling, and how did you deal with it?

• When you have that feeling, where is God?

• Do you feel like you are living fully as God has created you to be? If not, how can you be more open to allowing God to bring you into the fullness of being for which God has created you?

• And who are the people around you that seem excluded? Is there a call or an invitation to align with them, to make a space for them, to include them in a circle of belonging?

• As you reflect on belonging, what is stirring in you? Maybe just take a few moments to talk with God about your thoughts and feelings.

By Sister Leslie Keener, CDP

Leslie is the director of God Space, a community-building spirituality ministry in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. She’s a Sister of Divine Providence with a Masters in Ministry and a Certificate in Spiritual Direction and Retreats from Creighton University. She directs retreats, meets with people for spiritual direction, and serves as the vocation director for her community. She also serves on the Coordinating Council of Spiritual Directors International. She enjoys music, dancing, and meaningful conversations.