Growth in Discomfort

“A comfort zone is a beautiful place but nothing ever grows there.”

Now this lovely little quote has a HUGE reality/heart check pouring out of its gentle tone. Even bigger, is the challenge it issues to its reader. “Are you going to boss up or nah?” Well, I don’t know about you guys, but I’m not about to be called out by some cute little quote and find myself in the same place a year from now. Fortunately, trusting in God will easily pull you out of your comfort zone and throw you into such a uncomfortable situation you may start to wonder if God is still involved. “Did you forget me Lord?, Was this REALLY Your plan God?” But believe me, He’s there,

in the small success and the inches of progress. He’s there.

Photo: Climbing Magazine

Riddled with discomfort... sprouting little blossoms of growth

My past year has been, and continues to be, riddled with discomfort, while simultaneously sprouting little blossoms of growth towards the woman God called me to be.

Area of Discomfort: Lack of sufficient x consistent income (by my previous and all other reasonable standards of living).

Area of Growth: Greater trust in God as the provider of all my needs and becoming a better steward of my income.

What’s insane to me is that before this financial situation, I still barely managed to take care of all my expenses and I was making great money as an educator. Now, the realization is that I need less than I think, I’ve always had everything I needed and the greatest need has always been STEWARDSHIP. 

Area of Discomfort: Single motherhood #mommingainteasy

Area of Growth: Deeper appreciation and value of my role as a mother.

Every mother (single or married) knows the struggle is real. At first, there was a lot of blaming (my ex-husband, younger me, my past) and shame in my failed marriage. I was consumed with regaining a freedom I thought I had lost. Soon, it shifted and I saw how absent I was even in the presence of my kids. That’s when the mom guilt and sense of failure started to set in. Then my biggest challenge was the overwhelming feeling of being a failure as a mom. But as time presses on I’ve found the beauty that motherhood is meant to be. And although it can wax and wane, I have the groundedness in purpose to resist the temptation to complain or detach and instead really focus on the goal of raising happy, mentally and spiritually healthy, little disciples of Christ. 

Area of Discomfort: Accepting help, financial or otherwise, from people other than Jesus. (I even struggle with that sometimes, but I know that’s not just me.)

Area of Growth: Cultivating a heart/attitude of gratitude and a posture of humility.

Pride is a terrible and funny thing that often stands between you and the blessing God has for you. The lesson is that God’s provision doesn’t have to look the way you want it to look, but it will always fulfill your need. And the key is to recognize it, accept it and be grateful for it! I truly prefer to be the giver, yet this season has shown me so many ways in which I can give generously, paying forward the generosity and grace I’m afforded from family, friends and sometimes total strangers.

In so many areas the Lord is opening my eyes and heart to see more of and look more like Christ! Had I refused to follow God’s direction for me to leave the comfort of my previous job, city and situation, my heart would not be capable of the kind of love and generosity I am now able to give to my children and others. I would not view or handle my finances in a more profound and responsible way (no more making it rain at TJMaxx). Yes, with discomfort comes growth and the biggest gift of it all is seeing the impact of that growth on your life and the lives of those around you. 

So, I’ll ask you again.

Are you going to boss up or nah