God's Faithfulness

Living Outside My Comfort Zone

All growth starts at the end of your comfort zone.

Tony Robbins, Author

I don’t know about growth, but along the way I learned that comfort awaits me at the end of my comfort zone.

It seems like I spend most of my time outside my comfort zone, but I’m not forced. I get myself into it.

Within hours of learning that my grandfather was lingering in a hospital, I flew to his side and sat with him minutes before his death. I despised both flying and leaving my small children, but I was blessed.

I volunteered to fly to Brazil and care for four small children for two weeks while my cousin sought medical treatment in Texas, and her husband worked during the day. I didn’t speak Portuguese or know anything about Ipanema. Two years later, my husband returned with me because I wanted him to experience the culture and natural beauty I found.

I didn’t want to testify in a court of law, but I volunteered because I loved the victim, and I knew I was needed. I received peace in the process and the joy of participating in victory.

And comfort through them all.

How’s your comfort zone these days?

God's Faithfulness

One Day, It Will All Make Sense

I know the experiences of our lives, when we let God use them, become the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work he will give us to do.

Corrie ten Boom

Some unanticipated events quickly made sense: The two-year temporary job that led to two decades of permanent friendships; the fifteen-minute conversation in the produce section that led to my favorite teaching opportunity; the brochure picked up at a conference—and found two years later—that increased the quality of our sons’ formative years; the unexpected tax bill that led to a salary raise, which was the most surprising.

Joyful experiences!

However, I am still waiting for the explanations of the other type. How will estranged relatives, failing eyesight, broken promises, and suffering friends become “the mysterious and perfect preparation” for the work God has given me? My husband says that lowly hearts understand other lowly hearts.

Jesus answered him, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.

John 13:7 (ESV)

Are you holding onto the promise that, one day, it will all make sense?

God's Faithfulness

The Twisted Roots In Our Lives

Over a decade ago, I became intrigued with twisted tree roots. My brother recommended a trail in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park because, along the way, one could stand behind a 25-foot waterfall. However, I would return for the twisted roots that dominated our path.

Grotto Falls 2012

Trillium Gap Trail

Last year, in the Rocky Mountains, I had more opportunities to admire the complexity of twisted tree roots.

Beside an alpine lake.

I saw those roots as evidence of a tree’s struggle to survive by forging a path to water and nutrients—a challenge usually hidden from view. Only a tall, majestic tree was seen until erosion occurred.

I wondered how many majestic people in my life had twisted roots hidden from view.

A little research taught me that root systems are complicated and shaped by a variety of sources. Still, when I see tangled roots originating from towering trees, I think of the strong, faithful people who bring joy to my life and wonder again about their perseverance and what is below their surface.

God's Faithfulness, Relationships

The Finish Line

July 4th used to be the day all my aunts and uncles called and sang Happy Birthday to me. Uncle Gene always told the same joke. He had called the White House and ordered fireworks for me.

Only one aunt remains to sing Happy Birthday, but the others left me with memories. Uncle Floyd also left me the contents of his house in Oklahoma. Except for a chandelier that I shipped, the items I kept needed to fit in checked airline bags or squeezed into spare space in my brother’s car.

Why did I choose the item below?

Precious Moments: The Finish Line

This figurine symbolized both God’s and Uncle Floyd’s faithfulness to the end of Uncle Floyd’s earthly Finish Line. It also reminded me that I was at the Finish Line with Uncle Floyd. Others had dropped out of his life—some due to pettiness, grudges, or greediness. Others were spectators and not participants.

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.

Galations 6:7 (ESV)

When Uncle Floyd wrote his will, he would not be mocked either.

May we all finish well.

God's Faithfulness

Turbulence Ahead

I fear flying. While returning from my grandfather’s funeral, I consoled myself with the fact that I’d only have to make one more flight—to my grandmother’s funeral. Seventeen years later, I’ve made at least twenty round trips, each dreaded.

Two weeks ago, as I awaited takeoff, the pilot announced, “Turbulence ahead. Most likely the whole way.” As the plane jolted its way through the air, I was undisturbed. Why? Both air traffic control and the pilots knew what to expect. If they were undeterred, why should I worry?

A previous pilot warned, “We’re about to land, and we’ll bump ourselves all the way to the ground.” Again, the warning kept me from being alarmed.

Why couldn’t I always be warned about severe turbulence, not only in the air but in my life? If only God would announce, “Turbulence ahead.”

And then I remembered Jesus’s words.

In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33 (ESV)

Even more than air traffic control and pilots who made take-off and landing decisions, Jesus knew whatever lay ahead was under his control. Why should I worry?

Turbulence ahead.