I am seeing there are opportunities for good when I am
pushed out of my comfort zone. I love the comfort zone… my robe, my bed, my
friends, my chair, my food, my deck, even my purse... But when those things
change or aren’t available, then what? Yikes!
I have decided though, that SAMENESS MAKES ME DULL. I take
everything for granted, turn off God’s voice, and go enjoy myself.
The other day I drove to a sporting event that was a ways
from my new house. The neighborhoods I drove through looked scary and crime-ridden.
When I got to the event, I noticed that the people looked urban and rich. Whoa, this is different. I looked around
and realized that many people appeared to be in their comfort zone; they laughed
and talked easily with others, they knew the place, and they knew the rules -
both the written rules for the event - as well as the unwritten, secret rules of
social norms. (I had to ask which restroom to use. I walked the wrong direction
around the field and couldn’t get in.) There were a few people, though, who also
did not know things. They appeared alone, as I was. They appeared uncertain, as
I was. It dawned on me; when I am not
comfortable, I am more willing and able to see the discomfort of others; they
are scared, they are lonely, they, too, for whatever reason, are insecure.
Then I realized that there are people who live much of their
life out of their comfort zone because of poverty, death, divorce, disease,
addiction…. These people need other people who get them. People everywhere are
needy. I just need to look and see, instead of being blind and comfortable. Now I get what it feels like again to be
lonely, afraid, insecure, not even knowing how to get places, not knowing what
to do or where to go.
This is good. I think. This gives me understanding and
empathy. I think. Now what? Will I fear,
or will I love?
