Art date with my ah-mazing artist friend
That’s what Tom and I were told when we met with a man we respected for lunch: “Get uncomfortable.” We wanted to meet with someone who would listen to our wild, farfetched ideas and give us advice. He was a good listener, and shared many wise thoughts, one of which was the importance of maintaining a level of discomfort in life. A comfortable person, it turns out, remains stagnant. And only dead fish are stagnant, I suppose.
So as we shared the story of our newest baby’s birth in our latest podcast, I recognized my discomfort. I wanted to remain hidden. Instead I was brought out. I see this in my writing, as well. I write about private things that I am learning, but publishing those thoughts–whether blog, book, social media, or podcast– is another way of public discomfort. And if I want to write more, or open a business, or create a venue for a community of mothers to come together and strengthen one another…well, I’m going to have to be uncomfortable. Because doing anything out in the open, shining a light on anything Christ-like at all, is going to attract. If you are a Christian, you already know this. I bet you too, long to hide at times.
Recently I received such an encouraging message, I want to share it with you. Not to point to myself, but to SHARE it with you, because this speaks to YOU, where YOU are, too. Your life matters. Your marriage matters. Your family and the decisions you make concerning them matters. YOU, there on the homefront: what you’re doing MATTERS.
“….You are truly peculiar and remarkable….your simple life and calling is what is changing the whole world. No matter what the powerful politicians decide, nothing will stand against your tranquil and quiet life as you go against this culture under the banner of Jesus Holy Name.”
Are you uncomfortable? Do you want to hide your Christian witness, Christian opportunity, Christian endeavors? Maybe it is better to stay uncomfortable. Too much comfort can not only cause sleepwalking through life, but breed smugness and pride in the false security of Private Worship (I suppose we independent Americans love that idea). By the grace of God, lean upon and depend upon HIM to be your comfort and your joy, your wisdom and your secure foundation. And attend a good, local church; we need you there to depend on, to depend upon us, too! Then, if and when He brings your work(s) out into the open, whether unloading your children from the van or giving you a public opportunity to share the gospel, you’ll be the feisty fish in the river, not the dead one floating along with the current.
Are you discouraged in your discomfort? Hang in there, Mama. You know how the story ends. Just keep swimming…
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