Di Bassinga Diaries: The Importance of You

It can often feel as though your existence doesn't really matter, or make that much of an impact. Growing up, I'd often withdraw from family and friends, it was something I was known for in the house. "You never hang out with us", "you're always in your room", "you never wanna play games with me". That last one tends to sting a bit. I asked my little brother, who now lives in Houston, what I could be doing better as his oldest brother. His response: "Come back to Houston." I'm confident that he was maybe 50% joking, but it's entirely possible that all the kid wants from me is for me to be there. Of course, it's a blessing to have such a relationship with one's siblings. I'd love to say I don't take it for granted, but I know that I could absolutely do more as a brother and a son. I still find ways, however, to forget that I am of importance to people. It almost feels selfish or arrogant to think this way -- maybe it's just me -- like I might fall into the trap of believe that I'm more important than I am, but I'm coming into the belief that it's far more dangerous to underestimate your importance when it comes to family and friends, at least.

I'm reminded of two instances in the Bible in which we're told or shown the importance of each individual. The first: The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). A story in which a son is given an inheritance from his father. The goes away and "squanders" what he's been given by living recklessly. In returning to his family, the son expects to be greeted harshly -- he was prepared to return as a servant rather than a son. To his surprise, however, his father greeted him joy and love; his son had returned! Immediately the servants were told to bring the best robe for the son. They also brought a ring, shoes, and they celebrate with a fattened calf (this is a big deal for the time). I personally relate to the son. I tend to feel as though I haven't done enough with my life to impress my parents, or I worry that they'd be upset because I haven't called as much as I should, but every time I return home I'm greeted with love and excitement. Now, not everyone has a place to go that would greet in such a manner, and to those people I'd plead, please keep searching for that place or those people. You are or will absolutely be important to somebody out there, and relationship like that is worth finding.

It can be easy to feel the same way about God; like we've messed up so horribly that He could never take us back or accept us. For these moments, I'm reminded of the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Luke 15:4-7) -- a reminder of our importance to God. Here's the parable:

"What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost , until he finds it? And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying 'Rejoice with me for I have found my sheep that was lost.' Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance."

I'd ask of you, believer and non-believer alike, don't forget how important you are to those around you, and don't forget how important you are to God. I'd urge you to find those people who would welcome you with open arms, and if you've got that, find others and do the same for them. I pray that we would create a world in which genuine love guided our actions towards one another, towards God, and towards ourselves.

Verses to Look Back On:

Psalm 36:1-1

Matthew 6:25-34

Luke 15:1-32