often worry about where my future will lead me. The questions “How do I find my place in this world?” and “Where do I belong?” come to mind. My mind races when I think that there are over six billion people in this world, and I wonder how I can find my place in such an over-populated world. I find that when I slow down and calm down, the answers come more easily. Sometimes the answers may not come quickly. Even though it may be hard to be patient during those times, I learn more about who I am and where I belong.

When I have trouble figuring out where I’m meant to be, I ask myself, “Who am I?” and “What is God’s plan for me?” I’ve found that asking these questions helps me on my journey; figuring out who I am helps to determine what goals I would like to achieve and where I need to go to meet those goals. To find out what God’s plan is for me, I have to listen to God and his instructions.

Sometimes when I’m searching for the place where I belong, I become confused. Outside influences and people change my course of direction or stop me in my tracks. I should follow the path God laid out for me. At these times, I turn to God for help.

I’ve learned that it takes time to find where I belong. Sometimes I think I found my place only to later figure out that I was misled and had it all wrong. I believe that every stop I make is like a steppingstone on the way to a better life. I learn new things at each pit stop and these things prepare me for my destined place.

Instead of worrying about finding my place, I should make my place in this world. I should keep in mind who I am and who God wants me to be. If God isn’t pleased with where I find myself, I keep moving on. I believe that I will find my “home sweet home” eventually. As small or insignificant I may think my place is compared to the rest of the world, it will remain in the biggest part of my heart. I will find my little place in God’s kingdom some day, and I can’t wait. 

Editor's note: The "Totally Teen Talk" columns reflect the perspectives and experiences of the writer.