Where we belong

Thursday September 15, 2016

Edinburgh - Highlands. 

Today I did something very touristy. One of the pieces I was most disappointed in missing in not walking the second walk was to spend more time around Loch Ness.  As a child I had studied the legends around the Loch Ness monster. I remember writing a report on it in around the 3rd grade. The witness accounts, and the scientific study of the loch. I had spent sometime there while in Drumnadrochit, but it felt like I needed more. 

The couple I met in Drumnadrochit had previously lived in Fort Augustus and mentioned day tours from Edinburgh to this lochside town. So I looked them up and found one that included a loch cruise.

When I arrived in Edinburgh I felt myself tense up. Shoulders and neck and back. I wasn't sure why. 

Until the next day on the bus. It wasn't too long once we left the city. A few more hours and before I knew it we were back in the Highlands. And I felt myself relax. 

 

Growing up in a city, I always figured I'd live in the city. It was what I knew. 

But what we know isn't always where we belong. Knowing and finding where we belong is no easy thing. And it isn't always what we expected. But there are places that call to our soul. Places where we can be. For some it is the city. The people and buildings. For others it's the wide open spaces or small communities. 

The same is true in finding faith communities. It needs to be somewhere you cans relax and be. To soak in God's grace. To learn. To let go of what is burdening you. To be challenged and pushed. To repent. To be forgiven. To forgive others. All the pieces of spiritual life, of discipleship, begin with being where you belong. One place or constantly moving. Where is your soul called to be.