Comfortable? Or Growing?

I have a word to share today. Perhaps I'm the only one who needs this reminder - but I'm going to say it anyway.

Life is NOT about being comfortable. 

As I approach 48 years of living on this earth, I realize that - for most of that time - I have been seeking comfort. For as long as I can remember, "being comfortable" was my safe space. It meant I knew what was expected of me. I was familiar with my daily routine/surroundings/people. It meant I could just live life on cruise control and get through my day. And "my comfort zone" was something I sought after in every possible facet of my life. Like - living in the comfort zone was my end all, be all of a successful day. 

But that's completely false.

Have you heard this saying: You can either be comfortable or you can be growing. But you can't be both.

Yep. Read that again. 

In other words, you can be growing into more of the person God wants you to be. Or you can be comfortable. Ouch. That stings a little, doesn't it?! 

As I move full-swing into this transitional year of our family's life, I am being hit smack in the face with this reality. My comfort zone has been picked up, thrown into a frenzied heap, and it has careened to the floor with the loudest of booms. My comfortable, homeschool mom of 3 kids all living at home life is gone. Time to find a new normal. And, no, "normal" does NOT mean "comfortable." And this is what I needed to share.

My new normal? It fills this introvert's soul with an immense amount of uneasiness. You know - the exact opposite of "comfortable". And, I am realizing, it kind of mirrors a lot of what my college kids are probably experiencing right now too. 

Things like:

• Forcing myself to get involved in new activities - just so I can meet new people and build a new support system for this new phase of life.
• Challenging myself to grow. In what ways? Things like: my personal fitness, my business, my homeschool teacher skills, my time-management skills, etc.
• Being OK with nothing feeling the same. With being stretched. With being challenged to grow. Every. Single. Day.

Yep, it's not always fun. (Certainly not comfortable.) But I'm not the only one in my family experiencing this shift. 

I just have to say, I LOVE watching my kids grow. I LOVE watching them recognize the hardness of something, and then be willing to work hard at being successful at it. Perhaps God feels the same way about us? Here's a snippet of how I see my kids being challenged this year...

I'm proud of Luke for taking on all the challenges of his new role on his college team. He knows what is expected of him. He knows he has a specific job to fill. And that means being stronger & bigger & better than he's ever been. And he embraces that challenge full on. He doesn't shy away from hard work and growing. I just love that about him! (Many times over the years I've thought - where does he get that from?)  He is the most out-going of my kids. And when he sets his mind on a goal, he does EVERYTHING he can to see it come to fruition. He has transitioned to full-time college athlete with tremendous poise and determination. I'm just so, so proud of him. ♥

And Mikayla. She is an introvert like her Mama. But she knows she has to get outside of her comfort zone and work hard at meeting new people & making new connections in Toledo. She is throwing her comfort zone out the window and embracing the challenge of growing like a champ. I'm so proud of the courage she is showing! She's an inspiration to me. She never ceases to surprise me with just how incredible of a human being she is. I mean, maybe surprise isn't the word. It's just really fun to have your daughter grow up to be someone that you would choose to have as a best friend. You know?! Love her. ♥

And Hannah. I threw a MAJOR curveball at her with her plans for schooling this year. We thought we had one plan for her freshman year in June, and by the end of July I said, "Um. Guess what?! We are doing a new co-op on Fridays!". She is just one week into her new 9th grade schedule. And she has stepped up and is taking on the challenges of high school with the greatest of ease. I knew I needed to up my homeschool Mom game where Hannah was concerned. And I'm thrilled to see us both moving ahead - with fear and trepidation and all. God's got big plans for her this year - and I am so proud of how she's embracing it all. You keep doing you, Hannah! Love you. ♥

And Liva - my Danish daughter. She is an inspiration! I can't imagine moving to the other side of the world to live with complete strangers for a full school year. But she is here and thriving. She is the most positive person, I think I've ever met. She is a fabulous addition to our crazy clan. I love the way she tackles a challenge. I have already learned a lot from her about how much fun living outside your comfort zone can be. It's going to be a great year having her in our family. ♥

So, what about you? Are you growing? Or comfortable? I'd love to hear any tips you have on being successful at embracing change. I guess it's at least good to know we're all in this together.

Have a blessed day, friends!