Ah Comfort!
Photo by Karen
My friend and I went browsing over the weekend. I spotted this journal in a cute little shop and the title caught my eye.
What a thought! Life beginning at the end of my comfort zone. Really? That’s kind of scary since I enjoy my comforts–hot tea, a walk with a friend, a good movie that leaves me thinking, a cozy mystery story, a great night’s sleep.
What is the end of my comfort zone, I wondered. Feeling scared. That’s what. When all the familiar things are out of reach, I’m uncomfortable–very, very uncomfortable. Like driving in heavy traffic in an unfamiliar city, hiking a trail that keeps going up, up, and up, initiating a difficult conversation with a friend or family member, getting sick, being cold, appliances breaking down, finding my way through a busy airport afraid I’ll miss my connection . . . and a myriad of other big and little things that send a ripple up my spine when faced with them.
I stopped and thought for a moment and then suddenly all kinds of examples popped into my head–experiences of when I did get to the end of my comfort zone and was suddenly alive in a way I had not known before. Like making it to the top of Mt. Whitney on a snowy day, surviving a divorce, living alone when I wasn’t sure I could, making it through surgery, repairing a long-lost relationship and on and on and on.
I came out on top–on top of my fears and worries and stories I had made up about myself. I breathed easier; I smiled more; I found the good in even the most challenging event. Yep! Maybe it’s true that life begins at the end of our comfort zone.
Has this been true for you? Share your experience, please.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Oh, yes, Karen, I can certainly identify with life beginning at the end of my comfort zone for sure. Thanks for the reminder to press through the hard stuff and my fears. I can do things “my mind made up about myself NOT doing it,” as you said. Whew. It’s so easy to stay in comfort, but we can also get stuck there. Wonderful reflection today. Thank you.
Thanks, Heidi. I just returned home from a long weekend in So. CA, speaking at a church and enjoying family and friends. Lots of long driving with plenty of fears accompanying me along the way, but God brought me home safe and sound and I’m the richer for having pressed through.
As always —good food firvthought!!
Thanks, Kris. I sure did enjoy my visit with you and Ron. Thank you again for your support and loving hospitality.
Excellent Mom, love this post and you! 🙂
Thanks, Jimmy. Love you to the moon and back.
Nope. This sounds like something one of the “millennials” would come up with. At “our” age, we reserve the right to be comfortable!
Thanks, Sandy.
How open and honest you are. Such a good reminder to all of us that our fears can make us stronger if we remember that the Lord is with us in all our tough places. It is easy to remember that in easy times. You are always a blessing!!
Thanks, Etta Mae. I welcome your warm words.
Looking ‘back’ my life began after my divorce after being married for 27 years. I was a stay at home Mom and never worked outside the home. I was 47 years old. Loved “houses” so I studied real estate, got my liscense and became a realtor. Did real well then the “bottom dropped out of sales” so I had to get another job. Got one working for the Transportation Department in State Government. The young man who interviewed me said they felt I was “over qualified” and the job would be beneath me. I laughed and told him I was 50 years old and no job was beneath me as long as it was honest! They hired me and I received nine merit raises in the first year! After a few years I moved to Florida to live close to my daughter and son-in-law and met the most wonderful Christian man, married him and we had over 18 years of happiness together. We did volunteer work at the church and I learned I could do a LOT of things I never dreamed I could do – like plan receptions for our Pastors, teach a Sunday School class. etc. etc. NO I am not patting myself on the back for all the things I managed to accomplish but to let you know I think my life began for the second time when I was at my lowest point! Thanks, Karen, for another blog that brings back a lot of memories. Love ‘ya! Mrgaret
Thanks, Margaret. You continue to be an inspiration to all of us. Your example is proof that life can take a positive turn when we reach the end of our comfort zone.
Another great one Karen! Food for much thought! We are so fortunate to have the faith that brings us through very difficult occasions with a new understanding and renewed trust in our Guidance from the Divine. Hopefully not too many more very stressful challenges, eh? You are an inspiration to me dear friend.
Thank you, Kathleen. I know you’ve had your share of challenges too and you’ve met them head on and have a better life for having done so. You inspire me as well.
That was a bit of a twister. But reading your comments helped me understand. I certainly was out of my comfort zone when John passed away. Learning how to manage finances and make changes that needed to be made was definitely out of my comfort zone. I did come out on the other side only because the good Lord took me by the right hand and guided me the whole way.
He brought the right people to come along side and help me make the right decisions. There were other occasions in my life where I was thrown out of my comfort zone. But always came out on the other side for the better.
Thanks Karen
Thanks for sharing your experience, Joan. You too, are an example of someone who met your fears and triumphed over them. I applaud you.
I really enjoyed this blog Karen and the different comments of others, especially Margaret Mayhew who has definitely lived outside her comfort zone. I became a christian when I as 38 and I hoped that my life would become easier, however, we experienced a long series of challenges and trials including a daughter’s serious illness for over 5 years, my granddaughter’s autism , my daughter’s nasty divorce and my father’s tragic death in a hit and run accident. We moved to a new city in our 40’s to help my granddaughter, leaving friends and family behind. We are still going through some of these trials. Sometimes I get upset with the Lord that the trials have been seemingly relentless but God has proven himself faithful through all of them! I like drinking tea, reading books and taking hikes too but I guess until we’re out of comfort zone and “living beyond ourselves” as Beth Moore calls it we’re not actually activating and living in faith. My struggle now is against weariness and a lack of strength at times…Thanks again1
Thank you, Angela, for sharing your process and your experience with being challenged beyond your comfort zone. I admire your faith and your commitment to living your best life despite the difficulties.
Karen, I’m in a season of crossing over the border of my comfort zone right now and praying like everything the quote on that journal is true. 🙏
Trusting God and considering the examples of your proven experience.
Thanks bunches!
🌷BRC
Thanks for sharing your process, Beth. I pray all goes well as you rely on the grace and wisdom of God.
Thank you Karen.🌷BRC
I love this Karen. I’ve definitely seen you go beyond your comfort zone and thrive. Bless you for sharing this!
Thank you, Carol. It feels good to be affirmed. Certainly you’ve gone beyond yours too. Much love to you and Don.