Love thy neighbor as thyself

God grant that I may not fall into the ease of comfort…

Hi, all. It’s been a while, but I have not gone far. I just took the saying, the lazy dayz of summer, a bit too far. Don’t get me wrong, rest is best especially when one does too much, and the body has shouted to you that it needs a break both physically and mentally! Let’s not forget the sabbath and how important it is! 

Comfort is interesting though. I recently embarked on overloading my plate again as a mid-lifer…(college class, work, family, church events, etc…) Go figure, right! Okay… Okay…. I know I am not the only overachiever out there, so hear me out.:) I have asked myself, “Why should I slow things down in my mid-forties?” I have more desire to learn, grow, and challenge my mind, and my heart. Yet, it’s easy to roll over and want the extra hours in bed. I can’t say sleep, because I rarely sleep, but I do love lounging, binge watching mindless media, and endless chatting just to chat! However, as I added more on my plate, I began to feel the pull towards the comfort life and asking why. Why am I doing this? Why can’t I just be lackadaisical and look forward to a life of super relaxation. I’ve done quite a bit already, so why not just roll over and chill all day. Yet, my heart feels a call for more love and paying it forward!

In the parable about the talents, the owner gives talents to 3 different servants, 2 of which return his talents with double the earnings and he rewards them. Yet, the 3^rd hides his talent for fear and returns it as is. This parable speaks volumes to my heart. I often find myself following the footsteps of the 3^rd servant. Yet, it may not always be fear of rejection, I just simply feel the pull towards comfort and kicking my feet up. Yet, I ask myself if I am behaving more as the 3^rd servant, unwilling to get out of my comfort zone to make God’s love known to all.

 There is hope, all! God’s tasks for us are much like running, it’s the starting that is generally the hardest. Once one is in the midst of the run and a half mile has passed, the body revives and is ready to go further. I imagine the finish line and how joyous it will be. I look at life exactly the same way. My run to Christ and His kingdom may be a slow start, but it will be a strong finish. I find I live my most fulfilled life when I serve Him in areas that bring me some discomfort whether it be too late in the night for me to listen to the grievances of a loved one, caring for a sick baby, waiting for a deployed soldier, more volunteerism for church needs, and new challenges like extra schooling directed towards helping the most in need.

In my life, I have found that when I am most uncomfortable in my necessary tasks, be it as a soldier, student, teacher, mother, spouse, and family member, God has used this time for the most transformative changes of my life. Real change. Not partial or temporary change. I have not only grown from each experience despite the discomfort, but I have also been forever moved closer to the love of God. So, why shouldn’t I share that and pay it forward! Just remember that even the discomfort does not last forever, and ask Christ, “How do I use this to serve you?” And, before you know it, you will see that all the discomfort led to a life of fulfillment. God bless.