Category: God’s Faithfulness

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.

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)

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.

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

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.