Pushing Comfort Zones

This is it… my last week of college! On one hand, I’m ready and excited to be done, but it also feels so bittersweet. These past five years have been amazing and while I’m ready for the next chapter of my life, I’m also going to miss the stability and comfort that comes from having a regular schedule and focusing on classes.

The month of May has really got me thinking about lasts and firsts in life. On April 29, I had my last in-person college class. The week of May 3 was my last spring break. On May 12, I had my last college class (over Zoom). This Wednesday, I’ll be taking my last final… man, this is making me weirdly emotional. In this season of lasts, I’m simultaneously experiencing a lot of firsts, mostly thanks to the World Race. 

Writing this blog is a first for me. Traveling for 11 months is definitely going to be a first. Spending a year with the same group of 20 people will be a first. Carrying everything I own around in a backpack will be a huge first. The World Race is going to bring about so many changes in my life and is going to push me way out of my comfort zone. And to be honest, I’m kind of nervous about it. 

Being comfortable is one of my favorite things to do. I like to have my schedule and stay predictable. I like to keep things as simple and easy as possible and not challenge myself too much. I like to come home and put on my sweatpants and eat my favorite snack on my comfy couch. I like my space and my “me time.” I like to be comfortable.

While it’s definitely not a sin, it has held me back from becoming all God intended. I’ve missed out on so many opportunities to love and serve those around me because I was too busy being comfortable. I’ve been selfish with my time and energy because I didn’t want to get uncomfortable. I’ve slept in instead of getting up to read my Bible or pray before work because my comfort was more important in the moment. I’ve stayed silent when hard topics come up because I didn’t want to have an uncomfortable conversation. I’ve cancelled plans because I just couldn’t be bothered to get dressed and interact with other people; I would rather be comfortable. 

Clearly, comfort is a big idol for me and I need to do something about it. This was one of the reasons why I felt called to go on the World Race. Nothing about this experience is going to be comfortable for me. I’m going to be pushed beyond my limits. I’m going to be challenged in ways I’ve never even considered. It’s going to be hard, but it’s also going to be awesome. Throughout the Bible, God calls people to all kinds of things, but He never calls anyone to stay in their comfort zones. See, it’s in times of discomfort that we humans tend to grow the most.

In Chasing Vines, Beth Moore shared something that will stick with me forever: “Grapes need the obstacles of the rocks.” Now I know you’re all thinking, “Ah, yes! Of course, it all makes sense! So profound!” But just in case you need a little more explanation, keep reading. Grapevines need rocky soil to be fruitful. If vines get too comfortable and don’t have enough obstacles, they will only grow leaves, not grapes. In order to achieve their true purpose and bear fruit, vines need to be pushed out of their comfort zones. People are no different. When we get too comfortable, we stop being fruitful and don’t reach our full potential. We need to step out of our comfort zones to be healthy.

I felt so challenged and convicted by this because I finally realized why I wasn’t growing in the way I wanted. I was too comfortable, so it was time for a change. Goodbye comfort zone, hello World Race!