Trying something new can be nerve-racking depending on just how new it is! Getting out of our comfort zones takes a great deal of effort.
Today, for example…
I have been to Starbucks and other coffee shops—gee-whiz!— who knows how many times over the last several years. It is a place of comfort in many cases. However, I don’t know if I have ever taken a seat in Starbucks with the purpose of relaxing, reading, killing time, and possibly writing—as that is where I am this moment. But today, that is just what I did…
I knew today may be a me-day, out and about with purpose, but I would wait for this morning to arrive to make the final decision and work out the details. So when this morning rolled around, the idea came to mind.
For me to get out of my comfort zone and try something new, it took:
• Thought— Deciding if this was what I actually wanted to do.
• Preparation— Packing up my things and getting ready.
• Effort— The nearest Starbucks is about an hour away not matter which direction I go; however, my plans involved the trek to this area already.
• Commitment— Once I reached my destination, I still had to commit to actually going in and not just taking the time in my car instead.
Results and Conclusions:
• A change of pace is sometimes needed and invited.
• Rest is not just a Biblical option, but a Godly mandate for His people.
• Interaction with people is a must if living for Jesus—yet…
• Time away enables us to reflect and reconnect with God. [““Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” Psalm 46:10 ESV]
• Balance is still key.
• Getting out of my comfort zone is often somewhat stressful; however, it can be so rewarding that you never want to return to the former comforts because the new stretching offers a new level of comfort that I would have missed had I not taken that slight risk.
Please, know that I am not saying that every risk or invitation should be taken. My scripture this morning here at Starbucks included the following verse:
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.”
Psalms 37:23 NLT
https://bible.com/bible/116/psa.37.23.NLT
When I have accepted Jesus as my Saviour and do my best to follow Him, He directs my steps…and He delights in my life. His Word says…
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:17 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.1.17.ESV
“Every good gift…”
So, not only does He care about our lives, but good gifts are from Him. I love to give gifts, so imagine that if we enjoy giving good gifts, how much more God in His infinite love and mercy loves to give us good gifts!
Just as my introverted self got out of my comfort zone in the last few months to join a small group (or two!) because of Hebrews 10:24 & 25, among other scriptures and examples about gathering, I have found so much reward in the small amount of time that I have been involved. Fellowship is something that not only the scripture directs us to do, but I felt it deep within my soul that I was lacking in at that area during this time in my life. The value that I have gained from those meetings and those people in both sharing and receiving has, yes been a bit stressful at times to get used to—but OH, SOO rewarding!! There is a renewing—a new calm.
Today, for me, was a gift. The music and bustle in the background didn’t really distract but brought another sense of comfort. Something so common to so many, but new to me…and that’s ok. When I talked about the components of having a similar day like this last week [minus this little stent at Starbucks] Steve said something like, “Go and enjoy yourself…and don’t feel guilty.” I feel God’s love through Him more and more…and isn’t that our goal as Christians? …that others would feel God’s love through us? His love for me reminds me of God’s love for me. Yesterday, he randomly surprised me with my favorite flowers, daisies—for no reason other than he delights in me.
It is hard to fathom that the God of the universe and all of life before and after us even has time to delight in our lives, but He does. He likes to give us good gifts. He teaches and corrects— and guides—us because of His love.
I feel it.
This new calm.
As I finish up, my coffee cup is nearly empty, I am here about an hour longer than I expected—with no regrets! …and the pop song playing says, “You gotta’ have faith.” ~~~9:54 a.m.
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.”
John 10:10 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jhn.10.10.ESV
Simply Celebrate With Jackie 