Have you ever been honored by your profession or made to feel like a VIP in some way? Perhaps you fly First Class and receive privileges set apart from the Coach passengers. Recognition is nice, but it’s not sustainable.

In 2019 I resigned my membership in Austin Country Club. It is a wonderful club and has an air of exclusivity to it. But what made the difference was the people who worked there. Austin Country Club did a remarkable job with their hiring practices. I have never been much of a country club guy, but I enjoyed getting to know the staff and learning their stories.

Everyone wants to belong, to be part of something bigger than themselves. It begins with our family. Why do you think kids join gangs? It’s due in part because they aren’t feeling accepted at home. Their fellow gang members give them something missing from their lives.

Many people I encounter are dealing with an emptiness inside. People try to fill the hole in their heart with drugs, affairs, gambling or sex. Those are not fulfilling in the long term.

God alone is the only one who accepts us unconditionally. He created us and He wants to see us live full lives on this side of eternity. You don’t have to become a religious nut to get it. Just believe. God will take care of the rest…