Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
I’ve been taking the pup on a different route than normal every morning due to the muddy mess along our normal path. I have to admit that I like my comfort zone and do well with routines. You could say that I get into a comfort zone coma. However, I don’t grow nearly as much as when I get out of that comfortable area that is known so well to me. I’m not doing anything crazy; I’m just turning right instead of left when leaving me driveway. It’s the road where I live!
The other day, I’m barely starting out, yet I’m completely transfixed. There was a turkey hanging out with horses! At first I thought there was something wrong with my eyesight, so I blinked a few times. Nope, it was still there. I’ve seen so many turkeys in my lifetime, but none that looked like that one! Obviously it was domestic since it slowly came right up toward me. I got out of the trance I was in and decided we probably had a close enough encounter.
As soon as I got home, it was research time! I had to figure out what kind of turkey I came across. When I told my hubby about the Bourbon Red turkey, he told me to be careful because his grandpa had one that was so territorial that it wouldn’t let the UPS driver out of his vehicle. How ‘bout that…a guard turkey!
This morning when I was on that new route again, I encountered the neighbors down the road. I’d seen them often, but we always just exchanged a little wave. By golly, I learned all about their animals today. I’ve passed their horse (different from the turkey’s friend) for the past eleven years and never even knew that calm horse was a stallion! I also got to know a little bit about those incredibly nice neighbors.
When I did something outside of my normal routine and comfort zone, I got to experience and learn new things. They might not have been life changing, but they were different. In both of those cases, I expanded my knowledge, which means I grew! Brian Tracy said, “Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.”
I challenge you to do something that takes you out of your comfort zone. You’re much more likely to grow that way. When you do find something interesting, take the next step and find out about it. Remember that God will be with you wherever you go.
