Uncomfortable

 "We are not searching to find something we don't yet have, like treasure seekers with a map and a long journey ahead. Instead, we being right where we are, like the tree planted firmly in place. We are not trying to become a better version of ourselves. Instead, we begin to uncover the person whom we have forgotten WE ALREADY ARE." Emily P Freeman

This week I had the opportunity to attend a women's event at a church.

I'm going to confess. I'm not sure the last time I attended a women's event.

Probably the big kids' preschool days if I had to guess.

Walking into a women's church event always takes me back to walking into the school cafeteria in high school.

No matter how friendly, how welcoming, how well designed an event is - there's always some hint of established cliques. People who already have "the" table to sit at. People who don't. People who know how the event goes. People who don't. People who go to the bathroom in 2's and 3's. People who go solo.

Even though I was warmly welcomed. Even though someone immediately asked me to sit at their table. Even though everyone was kind and friendly.

I still felt somewhat uncomfortable at times. Out of place.

I've been thinking about that feeling this week.

I've asked Peanut to try new things this year as we seek to find "her people." I've asked her to be a little uncomfortable for a short time. So she can see. Is drama her thing? Is an "In Between" bible study her thing? Is this new Sunday morning class her thing?

To find your people, you have to be willing to both step out into the uncomfortable AND be vulnerable when you get there.

Since I've asked Peanut to do this, I'm doing it too. I'm saying "yes" to things I don't necessarily want to say yes to. I'm asking myself to be a little uncomfortable for a short time.

I've been thinking about this idea of being a little uncomfortable this week.

We've become a society that very much like the comforts. This is the first time in many years I've driven a car where the windows roll up and down and the ac works. I've got to say comfort feels good.

The things that grow us though should make us a little uncomfortable. Should stretch us outside our comfort zone.

Church should make us a little uncomfortable.

There's not one story of Jesus encountering folks in the bible where I think I'd be totally comfortable. Those "1s" he kept chasing, they lay outside our comfort zone.

As I'm visiting churches, I'm looking for those "1s."

As a church body, are we searching for those on the fringe? Are we looking for the 1? If we find them, will they feel welcome?

I've encountered many young adults lately who have walked away from their faith.

Because the church does not love the 1 well.

They may be the 1. Or they may love the 1.

I think we do a fine job of making space for the 99. We've got the programs that target them.

On Wednesday nights, the church we visit offers dinner to the congregation. This week I watched as the kitchen staff came out onto the street of downtown and offered food to a few on the street.

While the program is set up to serve the 99, they are still looking for the 1.

I'm wondering what if the program was set up to serve the 1, and the 99 came along for the ride?

Mama Warriors, if you don't feel a little uncomfortable every now and then in your faith, your church, your spiritual walk - are you really growing?

I challenge you this week to be open to the uncomfortable.

Whether it be saying yes to an invite to a women's event, opening the kitchen door to feed the 1, or so much more.

He made us not to be comfortable but to be comfort able.