Though it was just the two of us in the house, we shared an experience with many.
Over the weekend, my husband and I traveled to the upper peninsula of Michigan to pick up our daughter from camp. The trek up to the north woods takes about seven hours so it’s typically not a one day trip for us. We had hoped to meet up with friends who have a lake home up there but they were not available. However, they offered the opportunity to stay at their place anyway. We happily agreed.
Though our time was brief, their home provided a venue through which we found place and belonging.
Being surrounded by others is not a requirement to possess a sense of belonging. Sometimes, it happens as we recognize our place within a place; somewhere in which many feet have walked before and more will walk after us. Somewhere in which God’s voice speaks in similar ways but fine tuned to the circumstances of each person.
So it was, that we were honored to find our place in the footsteps of others who have stayed at their home. Those who have found refuge in the yard; surrounded by tall trees testifying to God’s majestic and creative hand. Those who engaged in deep conversation or laughter at the kitchen table.
The unfinished puzzle lying on the table in the family room symbolizes the way we become part of a bigger story. The hands working it vary-young, old, smooth, rough-but each one works toward adding a piece to the bigger picture. Eventually, the image will emerge and it will be a result of the contributions of others along the way.
As I viewed the guestbook, my eyes were drawn to the hand written script of those who found their place; if even for a day, in this home. We are connected. Silent echoes of common struggles as well as sources of joy are embedded in these walls. And I’m honored to have join them in this place.
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So glad you had such a good time! I’ll bet it was good for you both. Love this post friend! I’m in the 62 spot.
Howdy FMF neighbor! I’m #88 this week. I love the idea of connection from inhabiting a shared place…even though it wasn’t at the same time. “We are connected. Silent echoes of common struggles as well as sources of joy are embedded in these walls.” Beautiful!
Thanks Pam! It’s nice to relocate in the line-up and get to know new neighbors!
Oh I adore the imagery you used. “The unfinished puzzle lying on the table in the family room symbolizes the way we become part of a bigger story.” I just finished a pirate ship in a bottle puzzle ship this weekend. It had been sitting there for months and I wanted to get it finished before school started. Thank you for making me feel at east that it is symbolic of a bigger story going on in my house.
My teen son and I did a puzzle a few weeks ago and it was a therapeutic experience.
How special to have such good friends willing to share their place – and such a nice spot to connect!
Visiting from FMF (jennifer-ashesforbeauty.blogspot.com will not work with the http…??) Have a great week ahead!