Comfort zones can be tricky things. They are like a fort made of pillows and blankets: squishy and safe and hidden. As a kid, I loved to build them and lounge around comfortably, protected from my imaginary enemies as I played with my Barbie dolls and sang my favorite Lion King songs.
It was inexplicably wonderful, but after a while, I’d be called to come out, clean up my safe place, and do something different. Maybe eat dinner, clean my room, go outside, or paint with my grandmother – all of them necessary things or things I loved to do, but in that moment, I did not prefer them.
As an adult, my comfort zone changed, of course, but the concept was the same. I was safe in job where I saw success, had retirement, and a clear path to promotion. Things fell easily into place and I was really good at what I did, when I was in my classroom with my students, I was safe and happy.
But the Lord called me out of my pillow fort and into the world to experience His Kingdom in a new way. So far, I’ve had so many revelations about my Heavenly Father, His plans for my life, and His heart for all people. This is something I would have never experienced if I hadn’t made the choice to step outside my island of comfort and safety.
Each month, God pulls me further and further away from what feels comfortable.
This month, Africa has really pulled me out of my comfort zone. Big Time. I’ve spent the majority of my time preaching and evangelizing, which is not something I ever saw myself doing, let alone learning to enjoy. God has a funny way of changing our preferences and the desires of our heart, all the while expanding our mind and our comfort zone.
I’ve got a lifetime of different skills and experiences, and I don’t know how God is planning to knit all of these things together, but I am excited to see how it turns out. I’m glad He has pushed me out of my American comfort zone because so far things are turning out far greater than I ever could have imagined.
As I prepare to transition home in about one month, I ask that you join me in praying about next steps. I have some big decisions ahead, so pray I will have the wisdom and courage to make the right ones. Thank you for standing with me.
Sending love from Lesotho!
Until the Whole World Hears,
Mia
