Who am I? (Identity)
Where do I belong? (Security)
What am I supposed to do? (Significance)
Each of us struggles more with one of these questions than the others. When I say that I struggle with belonging, it seems odd to me that anyone would struggle with anything else. Belonging is the obvious answer. However, in this case, I am a product of my past.
In the Harry Potter books, there are the Deathly Hallows, which are three magical objects. The Elder Wand, which is more powerful than any other wand. The Resurrection Stone, which can summon spirits back from the dead. The Cloak of Invisibility, which can conceal you from Death. As Harry and his friends discuss the Hallows, they agree that it's obvious which you would choose. They all voice their choice, and they each have chosen a different Hallow.
Harry has lost all of his family and thus chooses the Resurrection Stone.
Ron has grown up with impressive older siblings and thus wishes for the power and recognition associated with an unbeatable wand.
Hermione is the brainiac and thus chooses the smart answer of a cloak that can hide you from Death.
To each of them, the answer seems so obvious. Yet, their experiences define their desires.
I have grown up overseas. I have moved often, and I have had to adapt to cultures. I have created my own culture, which often means that I find it difficult to fit in. This is often a source of difficulty for me. I struggle with belonging.
Yet, it's not all bad. When I don't feel like I belong, it's just a reminder to me that this world is not my home. I am a stranger here. (1 Peter 2:11) And someday, I will get to go Home!
