Nothing like being gone for a few days to make me appreciate being home. Not that I don’t enjoy the scenery in a new place, the opportunity to capture our Creator’s artwork in a new area, or visiting my family. It’s just that I enjoy being home too.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Alabama, an eleven-hour drive. Like many others, it had been three years since I traveled this distance.
Did I feel a little anxious about traveling again? Yes. Did every muscle in my body tense up as I gripped the steering wheel and leaned in as if that would help when I drove through Nashville? Yes. Did I do it anyway? Yes. Why? Because I knew I needed to get outside my bubble, and I probably will not have another chance all year due to my schedule. Granted, it may be a while before I do it again, but I am happy I did not give in to the anxious thoughts.
As I drove through several lanes of traffic with my white knuckles, I realized, in a more profound way, why my dad did not like to travel. He also did not like being away from home after dark. Like me, he enjoyed the comfort of his bubble a little too much.
As the Great Commission summons us to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, I sometimes find it easier to stay inside my bubble. Unless I am intentional about going, seeing, listening, and even finding others to share it with, I tend not to do it as often as I should. I get too comfortable, too busy, too anxious, and so forth. But when I go, take a step of faith which sometimes feels like a giant leap, I am the one who is blessed the most.
Our challenge is to avoid getting too comfortable inside our bubbles and be intentional about loving others in a more profound way that sometimes requires us to go and share in person. To see, pay attention, and listen.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns” (Is. 52:7, ESV).
(Watch for one of God’s many amazing sunsets over the waters of Fairhope next week)
Faith Walk Ministries, Inc. 