Out of My Comfort Zone

I’m not a person who makes New Year resolutions. When I think of the word l think of the word  “resolve,” I think of what is said of Daniel in scripture. Daniel “resolved” not to each the rich food that he was given, sticking to a diet of vegetables and water. He wouldn’t defile himself with the king’s food. I’m definitely not in the same league as Daniel! 

But, I’m not opposed to setting goals for myself. I tend to be a homebody. So, I have challenged myself to get out more, to do something at least once a month. In January, I went to a local church that was hosting a ladies night to make a prayer board/vision board. I didn’t know anyone there, but I went. There was a glorious time of worship, good food and a chance to be creative. I am actually using my board.

February found me making a reservation at a local winery for a wine and chocolate pairing. I was going to go by myself and a good book, but a friend decided to go with me. It was nice to relax and talk with a friend for the afternoon. And, the chocolate was delicious! 

In March, I wasn’t sure what I would do. I kept thinking that I wanted to try the Salt Cave in the next town. I never called, so I went to the Historic Star Theatre to hear the Maui Mt. Airy Ukulele Invasion play. I had no idea what to expect. It’s easy to think “Don Ho.” It was definitely far from that. The guy who taught these 30 plus ukulele players had a great stage presence and an even better voice. He sang most of the songs they played starting with “Listen to the Music” and ending with “Hey, Jude.” It was an amazing show.

I finally did call to make an appointment with the Salt Cave. I figured it would be my April outing. They could take me that same day, in less than an hour, in fact. So, off I went. The room had Himalayan salt on the walls and on the floor. There was a comfortable lounge chair and waves for background noise. It really felt like I was at the beach. And, the air was infused with teeny tiny salt, too. So relaxing. Now, I have to think of something to do in April. 

I’m trying to balance out being a hermit and getting out. It’s hard sometimes. I like my comfort zone. If I stay there, I would rarely do anything. Where does the push and the strength and the confidence come from to get me to do these things? From my Lord and my God. And, I am grateful.

Frustration to Satisfaction

 When was the last time you shopped for jeans? Has it been a while? For the past six months or so, I have wanted a pair of jeans that fit. The jeans I have been wearing are about six years old, stretched out and worn out. I work in Tourism, at the county Visitors Center. We can wear jeans to work, as long as they aren’t ripped and they looked decent. In my mind, my jeans went past decent a long time ago. It was time to replace them.

I didn’t know that something so simple could be so hard. Over the years I have gained weight, so I wasn’t even sure what size to buy. I live in a small town and places to buy jeans are limited. I tried on a couple of pairs and bought a pair that I thought fit. LOL! Was I ever wrong. Since there was some stretch to them, after about thirty minutes they felt like I had on a full diaper. Nope. These wouldn’t work. So, I ordered a pair from Amazon. Too big. I returned them. I ordered the next smaller size. Too big. I returned them. I ordered the next smaller size. Too small. I donated them to a thrift shop run by one of the local churches. Was I discouraged? Definitely! I didn’t just want jeans that fit. I needed jeans that fit. What do I do now? I didn’t know.

I needed something to wear to a bridal shower, so a friend took me thrift store shopping and I found the perfect dress. We stopped at one of her favorite stores near where she used to work and found jewelry to go with the dress. But, guess what else they had…jeans! I tried on a few different pairs and praise God, some of them fit. I ended up buying two pair of jeans that day. One of them feels like I’m wearing pajama pants. I bought a couple of shirts, too.

The next week, I went to the same store, but it was in a different town. It was bigger, too. I was like a kid in a candy shop. I bought a second pair like the ones I really liked and another pair, too. I now have a variety of jeans that fit! I’m grateful to God for having my friend introduce me to this shop. He really does care about me (I knew He did) even in the little things, things that aren’t important in the big picture, but they are important to me. 

Called to Move

 

This morning I was reading in Deuteronomy 1. The Israelites were on the east side of the Jordan River in the territory of Moab. They had been set up in one place for a season. They were still in the wilderness. They hadn’t moved on. Now it was time. It was time to move out of their comfort zone and claim the land God had promised them. 

All too often, I get stuck in my comfort zone. My inner self doesn’t want to break out of the mold - the safety and security that I feel at home. God calls me to more. He has so much more in store for me. He has a promise of a future and a hope for me. I just have to listen to His call, His still, small voice and follow to see that promise come to fruition.