This past week, my husband and I went up to Missouri for a Family Reunion that happens every 3-4 years. It was such a sweet blessing to be able to meet everyone, and feel loved and wanted.
One thing that many of you many not know about me, is that I struggle with feeling wanted. I struggle with feeling accepted... for who I am. I tend to think of myself very lowly, and often times read too much into things, and feel un-accepted. In most circles that I've been in, there were clique's, most of which I was never a part of, mainly because I felt like people didn't accept me... they didn't make effort to help me be a part of their circle. They didn't welcome me in.
So when I went to Missouri, and felt accepted by the family members there, I felt very loved. I felt like I did, when I moved here to Ohio. Where people excepted me, and welcomed me into their group. When I was sitting off alone for even just a few minutes, they'd join me, or they'd welcome me into their circle, and let me know what they'd been talking about.
All of us to some extent struggle with feeling wanted. We want to be loved. We want people to like us... that's the human part of us. If you've never felt like you're on the outside, then I'd encourage you to look at others around you... welcome them into your conversation... even if you don't really want them to. Make people feel like they're loved. It's not enough to just say hi, you need to have a relationship with them. Check up with them every once in a while. Ask them how they're doing... and when they say, "fine." Ask them again... "No really, how's everything?"
Another thing I ask, is that you try not to talk to the same person every week, and no one else. Especially if they're at church, and you see them every week to begin with. Go out of your comfort zone, and talk to other people... they do exist. ;)
Any way, sorry to be totally off subject, but hey, it's me. :) I loved my time in Missouri, and meeting so many new people. We played games, stayed up late talking, ate lots of food, we laughed many times, had a tea party honoring Josh's grandmother. (who passed away many years ago from cancer)
On our way back, we stopped in St. Louis with Josh's parents, and one of his brothers, and stayed at a hotel, went to a couple Museum's, had coffee, took pictures, played games, and rested. :) I've included some pictures below.
What summer trip have you taken or do you plan to take?
"This is the day the lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." ~Psalm 118:24~
So when I went to Missouri, and felt accepted by the family members there, I felt very loved. I felt like I did, when I moved here to Ohio. Where people excepted me, and welcomed me into their group. When I was sitting off alone for even just a few minutes, they'd join me, or they'd welcome me into their circle, and let me know what they'd been talking about.
All of us to some extent struggle with feeling wanted. We want to be loved. We want people to like us... that's the human part of us. If you've never felt like you're on the outside, then I'd encourage you to look at others around you... welcome them into your conversation... even if you don't really want them to. Make people feel like they're loved. It's not enough to just say hi, you need to have a relationship with them. Check up with them every once in a while. Ask them how they're doing... and when they say, "fine." Ask them again... "No really, how's everything?"
Another thing I ask, is that you try not to talk to the same person every week, and no one else. Especially if they're at church, and you see them every week to begin with. Go out of your comfort zone, and talk to other people... they do exist. ;)
Any way, sorry to be totally off subject, but hey, it's me. :) I loved my time in Missouri, and meeting so many new people. We played games, stayed up late talking, ate lots of food, we laughed many times, had a tea party honoring Josh's grandmother. (who passed away many years ago from cancer)
On our way back, we stopped in St. Louis with Josh's parents, and one of his brothers, and stayed at a hotel, went to a couple Museum's, had coffee, took pictures, played games, and rested. :) I've included some pictures below.
What summer trip have you taken or do you plan to take?
"This is the day the lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." ~Psalm 118:24~
Isn't Josh going to be a great dad someday?! :) I love you Josh!
My husband and I both got awarded. :)
Little Liam was just adorable holding this kitten in his overalls. :)
My sister-in-law, Joanna, and her husband, Derek, joined us in a cave.
Most of the family... Jonathan,(Josh's brother) and Ashley, were missing in this pic.
Do you mean accepted?
ReplyDeleteThanks for catching that! Yes! :)
DeleteI really enjoyed this post, Caitlin! Good message! And lovely photos with family--looks like a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteThanks Bethany!
DeleteSo glad that you had a great time at your family reunion! It's been awhile since I've been to one, as they have it every five years and we weren't able to make it to the last one. They can be so fun! Enjoyed the pictures! Thank you for what you shared as well. I've had some trouble with feeling accepted too and I really appreciate when people include me in things, I want to make sure that I'm doing what I can to help other people not feel left out as well like you said. :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Ashley