It has been way too long since I've last written a post, or anything in general. I definitely haven't been leaving myself enough time to invest in things like writing, thinking, or even just spending time in the word or with the Lord. But even when I don't take time out, God doesn't give up on me. He sparks little ideas in the mind, when we least expect it.
Part of the reason I haven't had a lot of extra time is because of my new job (which I really enjoy, by the way!) at Chick Fil A. Last night I had to clean out the playplace (the jungle gym all the kids play on). As you can probably guess, it's a bit tight spaced for someone my size- it's doable, but it's definitely takes a little worming around to do. And as I was wiping down one of it's walls in a fairly awkward position, the saying "Don't get comfortable" came to mind...
And in that moment I thoroughly understood what the saying meant.
If I had gotten comfortable in that position, I wouldn't be able to squirm as quickly up to the next step in the playplace. It would have taken me much more time and energy to move out of my set position I "got comfortable" in. By not getting comfortable, by putting up with whatever small inconvenience or back-pain-causing-scoliosis that was caused by my position, I'd be able to quickly and efficiently clean one section, then move on to the next, without comfort holding me back or being a hindrance.
And when I thought more and more about it, and still do continue to think about it, I allow comfort to be a hindrance to me everyday.
Allow me to clarify that I am not talking about comfort as in emotional encouragement from another person, or comfort when something wrong goes in your life and people lift you up and support you. I am talking about the comfort that only lasts for a moment, the comfort of being familiar with the place you are in, the comfort of "not caring" when really you're in the act of irresponsibility, the comfort of staying in one place because, frankly, it's not scary as other places. You know you'd feel uncomfortable else where.
I'll simply say this: Jesus has you wherever you are at in life for a reason, and for an amazing reason at that. I can't say I've acknowledged this all the time, especially with the craziness this year has brought. But I wholeheartedly mean it! If He calls You to stay in one place, then that is where He would love to have You. But if you know He wants you to go and stretch out beyond the borders of familiarity... then it's time to wiggle out of your awkward position and on to the next section of the playplace. Don't get comfortable... get comfortable after you know this is where God wants you!
I'm also not trying to imply that you should never emotionally connect yourself to anything, or enjoy wherever you are at in life. I guess what I mean is, love where you are at. But don't glue yourself and rely on that place in your life to fulfill you or satisfy you. Because, it won't. Surroundings, seasons, people, and life constantly change/changes. But God doesn't. And because of this fact, we can get comfortable wherever we are at not because of the place we're in but because God ordained us to be there.
There's a great song by one of my favorite artists, Brandon Heath, called "Don't get comfortable". I was thinking about posting just a quote from the song but the whole song is worth reading.
Comfortable, don't get comfortable.
I am gonna' move this mountain
Then I'm gonna move you in.
Yesterday, this is not yesterday.
You were standing on my shoulders now;
You're standing on the edge.
You've been looking for a sign all this time.
I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna love like you've never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song
So afraid but you don't have to be afraid
Even if you make mistakes
You know that I'll remain
You've been looking for a sign all this time.
If you seek you'll find me every time.
So I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna' love like you've never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song
Can you feel the call of love?
Is it moving you to be a child of God of love?
Is it reaching you?
It's everywhere the call of love.
I just want to show you what I mean
I just want to love like you've never seen
Do you want to live like you used to dream?
Then I've got a song for you
Cuz I am gonna show you what I mean
I am gonna' love like you've never seen
You are gonna live like you used to dream
This is your new song
