Stretch
I like to be comfortable. My bed is soft and conforms to my body. I love to be with people who I know and am known by. I love to know what I'm doing and how to do it.
But, comfort does not define me. At least not the past few years. So, I get an adrenaline rush our of every stretching moment. Every time, I find muscles I didn't have.
Sharing my struggles with people I don't know? Yeah, right. But, "vulnerability" became the name of my game, and I didn't pull a muscle.
Start a structured office job? No, thanks. But daily I learn new lessons of working with people and respecting those in authority.
Write a book? In my dreams. But slowly, every word poured out of my heart on the page.
Go to Haiti? Never in my mind. But go I did, and it changed my heart. I fell in love with a people of no means who have great worth in the eyes of the King.
I've pulled every muscle in my body doing things I don't want to do. My comfort level is shot to hades, and every new experience out of my comfort zone is as terrifying as it is exhilarating. Stretching changes every part of me, making me stronger, better. I wouldn't trade one sore muscle for an armful of feather pillows.
Visiting from Five Minute Friday. i love your writing and the message you share. God indeed stretches us beyond what we think possible. Because if He didn't, He wouldn't be God would He? Love the ways God is moving in you and you are being obedient to Him. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGetting out of our comfort zone is definitely a stretching experience. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful perspective on facing the things that stretch us...even when we don't want them to. Here because of #FiveMinuteFriday and I am so glad I came.
ReplyDeleteLoved this Kariss! So great for you getting out of your comfort zone and truly getting to the heart of the matter! <3
ReplyDeleteAlso visiting from Five Minute Friday. I can totally relate to everything you've said. It will be worth the pain in the end.
ReplyDeleteI love your writing and your voice, Kariss. Thanks so much for sharing about your stretching today. It's nice to meet you! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome to see how got changes and strengthens us when we allow him to stretch us out of our comfort zones!
ReplyDeleteA convicting message. :)
ReplyDeleteGotta love the beauty of growing pains. Thanks for reading!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, Anna!
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to meet you, too! Thank you for your encouragement. I'm so glad you stopped by!
ReplyDeleteYou stop noticing the pain after a while and start seeing the beauty in the molding. Thanks for reading, Nancy!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy! It's a daily challenge, but the Lord is definitely working on my heart here.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you came, too, Holly! Thanks for reading. I love connecting with people through #FiveMinuteFriday!
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking time to read, Jenni!
ReplyDeleteThanks for that encouraging word and for reading, Marty!
ReplyDelete"comfort does not define me" LOVE this much! Wonderful words today friend! Thanks for sharing! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteStretching out of our comfort zones. What beautiful things He can do when we "go." Beautiful...
ReplyDeleteWonderful look at stretching - in many different ways. Each time I do something new I will think about this - how every experience can encourage new growth.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Jan
We both have one of the same dreams - to write a book! Indeed, it will be a stretch for me too! But, it's God's words that will flow, right?!?! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Wendy!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wish the "going" was easier, but then it wouldn't stretch me as much. So, bring it on! Thanks for reading, Nicole!
ReplyDeleteThanks for reading, Jan! I have to constantly remind myself this truth about stretching. Glad I'm not alone!
ReplyDeleteI actually finished a book early this year and am working on book 2 now. Sometimes the words flow, and sometimes they wait. But, I constantly prayed that the Lord would give me His words and not mine! You can do it!
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