Have you ever been part of the periphery of a gathering, club, sport, job, culture, etc.?

If you have, you know the feeling that starts to creep through your body as you fully understand that you aren’t within the circle of influence.  That you are on the edge looking in by choice, because of fear, due to finances, ethnicity, or because you are new to the circle.  There is some reason you are not part of the influential group.

I have lived most of my life on the periphery.  Much of that is by choice.  But some of it is due to how I felt regarding the situation around me.  The fear of not belonging or being accepted if you cross into the circle of influence.  There are times when I fight those feelings and there are times when I don’t.

I normally fight the fear and feelings of being on the periphery when I know that getting inside is important for the goal of what I need or want to do.  If it’s a work situation and I need to be in the periphery, I walk right through that fear and place myself exactly where I need to be without hesitation.  If I have something to contribute to the circle, I get involved.  By choice, I normally choose to be on the periphery.

What I have found is that those who sit on the periphery have a lot to contribute to the environment they are around or seeking.  Some understand that it often takes time to feel welcome in the circle others might not have the perseverance or strength to break through the line to engage with the circle of influence.  After years of sitting on the edge of the circle, I enjoy engaging with people who surf the periphery.

People around the periphery have untapped potential and value to add to the event.  I find when I engage with those around the periphery I often find meaning in our conversation.  I ask the Holy Spirit to guide me and speak through me.

There’s something about engaging with somebody around the periphery that empowers both of you.  Sometimes it is giving encouragement or maybe introducing them to someone with similar interests.  Other times it is learning more about the person or their area of expertise.  

There are times when I connect with someone in the periphery and it doesn’t go any further, and that is okay.  That person could be incredibly comfortable where they are or maybe they prefer to observe rather than participate.  They may become engaged with a circle of influence over time.

When the periphery is encouraged to participate in the inner circle, there is an opportunity for an entirely new set of experiences and ideas to flow through the inner circle.  It is uplifting to see the inner circle reach out to the periphery.  It is kindness, compassion, and love that shine through when we welcome people into our current circle.

As I enter a group situation I seek guidance through prayer.  I find comfort in the periphery and encouragement when the inner circle reaches out to those who are new to the environment.  Love, kindness, and compassion melt away the barriers and bring unity to the inner circle and periphery.  

Click here to stay connected.