Climbing Outside of the (Comfort) Zone

• Who can find a virtuous woman? her price is far above rubies
• She openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness

Last week I read an interesting, timely post over at the Praise and Coffee blog, Feeling left out of the cool girl circles.

Interesting, because of the content, and timely, because there was this women's ministry conference coming up that I really wanted to attend, but I couldn't find anyone who had the time/money/desire to go with me. And who in the world wanted to go to one of these things alone? I mean, half the point is the fun you have when a bunch of fine, upstanding, responsible women get off on a jaunt together and maybe let their hair down a little. Or a lot.

I've always come back from these little retreats refreshed, renewed, and rejuvenated. But not alone.

I waffled back and forth for a couple of days--in reality, closer to a week. Or two. And then two days ahead of time, I decided to just do it. I didn't even have time to pre-register, I just made my hotel reservation and went straight to the really important things--I ran to my closet to see what I was going to wear. Then I rushed to town and had my nails done and bought a new pair shoes. Because who could go to a women's conference with unkempt nails, or shoes? Oh, and I cut my hair, too. Because really, you need your hair to look it's best, too, right?

What was I doing? Trying my best to look as though I might fit into the cool girl circle. Those ladies might feel sorry for me for being alone, but they certainly wouldn't feel sorry for me for having unkempt hair or nails--or accessories.

When I drove up to the church where the meetings were going to take place, I took a deep breath, and walked in and up to the registration table. When the lady at the table found out I there alone, she immediately invited me go to lunch later--with the cool girls--I was certain of it! Was it my hair? My nails? My cool purse, or new shoes? No. It was just a lovely Christian lady extending a hand of love, acceptance, and friendship.

I have to say, ladies, (and any gentlemen who read this, too), that I believe I had a divine appointment at that conference. The teaching was good, the testimonies were riveting, the fellowship was great, the praise and worship awesome---but I believe with all of my heart that the Lord knew just what I needed, and it had nothing to do with the cool girls.

It had to do with time spent with Him, pursuing the things that I believe He wants me to pursue; making some connections that I believe He brought about; and trusting Him to take me where I need to go, when I need to go there--even if I go alone in the flesh, I'm never alone in the Spirit.

How often do we allow fear--of the unknown, of whatever--to hold us back from the things we should be doing, and the place we should be going?

Thanks, Lord, for giving me the courage to climb outside of my comfort zone--I needed that.

This post is linked to:

Making Your Home Sing Monday at Mom's The Word--because what makes me sing makes my home sing, too!

Until next time...