Tuesday, August 30, 2011

The Art of Being Uncomfortable

As Americans we tend to think the whole world revolves around our need to be comfortable. To have the best new camera equipment or the new apple product that will make life easier, or more comfortable. We carry around pounds and pounds worth of luggage when traveling to make sure we have everything necessary to make ourselves comfortable. We eat the same foods; we drink the same drinks and if you’re me you might even carry around your pillow across the world, to make sure you’re comfortable.
But how boring does that sound, how selfish does that sound? Why don’t we risk our comfortableness for the sake of others having more? Or even risk being comfortable for an adventure, for growth. I think we miss out on so many things when trying to stay in our “comfort zones”.  And so, Life becomes a routine.
Imagine if every day you did one thing that made you feel uncomfortable. You did one thing that made you a little nervous, or even made you want to cry. Imagine how much you would grow in that time into a whole new person just by being flexible, doing something different. Experiencing the unknown and embracing it!
I write this as I am sitting in the airport of Nairobi, Kenya. By myself, but sitting next to my iPod, iPhone, camera, my three lenses, my diet coke and chocolate, my pillow AND the laptop I am writing on as well as the luggage underneath the plane I’m about to board.  As I’m sitting here I’m starting to think of exhilarating it would be to take just one of those items, leave the rest behind and start my new adventure.  
But, maybe traveling to South Africa alone is enough discomfort for one day. As I face the discomfort of the trip that awaits me, the weeks I’ll be staying with people I’ve never met. The work I will be doing which I’m still unsure of and the idea of standing in front of a bunch of people and sharing the love of God. There’s something that makes my heart beat a little faster, something that makes my stomach a little nervous to where I’m shaking a little inside. At the same time I’m thinking this is the best kind of feeling. The kind of feeling that I know that I’m being stretched into a new person and facing fears I never really wanted to face and it might actually be fun.
I’m starting to think how good it feels to be uncomfortable... well for now.

10 comments:

  1. I pray that you will be comfortable in a good and gentle way with us in South Africa and I pray that the embrace of God will enfold you in our home. I pray that each morning you will wake up with a smile and an expectation of a new day and a new challenge of sharing God's love. We are looking forward to reading your blog of your experience in South Africa to finish your journey until you return home. God Bless

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  2. Very true how we must push ourselves past our comfort zones, and how much growth would occur. It can be scary, but a good thing. I am glad you decided to join blogging. Look forward to reading more. Thanks for sharing. :)

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  3. So well said and quite insightful. As someone who has spent way too much time clinging to pseudo safety- I appreciate your challenge to step out of my comfort zone.

    I am praying for you and can't wait to hear what God is going to do in you and through you!

    Glad you are blogging!

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  4. Sweet Adele, Praise the Lord for you! Push through this time and I promise you on the other side you will find something better than comfort.
    And, do not believe the lie that you are not a writer. You just did it :) Please share your posts to FB each time. I followed you here--but the GFC is not nearly as reliable as god ol' FB.
    I will pray for you, my friend!

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  5. Thank you so much for posting this so I can know what is really going on inside your head. Stepping outside of our comfort zone stretches us, makes us rely on God, and shows us what is really important in life. I am so proud of you for doing this!

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  6. Thoughtful relevant and lovely writing, keep it up and safe "uncomfortable" travels ahead!
    Teresa JAnsen

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  7. So excited to read your blog! I love your mom's blog & read it every chance I get. Just became your newest follower from http://richfaithrising.blogspot.com/
    ~ jen

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  8. Dear Adele, you don't know me... but I know you through your mom :)What a lovely brave young lady you are! ahhh the little comforts in life... I love them too :) but I'm not as brave as you are! I never volunteer to part with them...but because I've had to, in the past, I know that though I felt sad and uncomfortable, somehow the Lord compensated :) and in the end it wasn't that bad :) May the Lord always bless you and keep you safe, love, maria x

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  9. Bless your heart! I was brought to your site from your mom and what a blessing you are. Many prayers going out to you on your journey. And as you say when we feel uncomfortable .. we are growing and you are growing in the Lord so it will always be Good! God is so Good, May God show himself to you always.

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  10. "... this is the best kind of feeling. The kind of feeling that I know that I’m being stretched..." You write well. You think well.

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