I'll give you a couple of mine.
My husband -
This man has the ability to calm all emotions I have and also give me all needed warm-fuzzy feelings. Coming home to him at the end of the day is like a breath of fresh air. You know that feeling you get when you drink something really warm on a freezing cold day, yeah, that's seeing Judson waiting for me on our porch everyday when I get home from teaching crazy kids. He puts cool rags on my head when I'm feeling achy and rubs my feet without request. From surprising me CONSTANTLY with treats, flowers, notes, etc. to doing little things like filling up the water filter, unloading the dishwasher, putting the toilet seat down (can I get an AMEN married ladies?). He truly pursues me everyday. He always watches out for me and protects me. If there is a creepy man near me in line somewhere Judson scoots himself between me and creepy man. When we urgently stop at a red light he quickly reaches his arm over to "seat belt" me in.
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear" 1 John 4:18
My family-
I have an incredible family. I have parents who love me more that I could ever ask for and support me in every way. They set an amazing example for me. They keep me grounded and also let me do crazy things like get married when I'm poor and young. They believe in me. I have a brother and sister-in-law that I learn from constantly and genuinely just enjoy their company. I have the most beautiful nephews that strengthen my faith just by watching them grow. I was blessed by marrying into a family that loves me and accepts me even though I'm different than them. My wonderful in-laws support us and give us so much! I have extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins that are always cheering me on in life. Seriously, I'm blessed.
My friends -
My friends rock. Not a single one of them is the exact same as another and I need ALL of them to help me keep sane. These sisters of mine have helped me laugh harder, love stronger, and live happier. They continue to instill confidence in me, prayer over me, and support behind me. When I'm with them I feel so at ease being my true self. They have all seen me cry my eyes out, doubt my faith, doubt myself, fall in love, get married. They have walked through some of the most crucial seasons of my life with me. Life is taking us all sorts of different and crazy ways, but I know that these girls will be there for me till the end. They have my heart.
Another thing that is a comfort zone for me is being a comfort zone for other people. When someone comes to me for advice or just needs me to be there for them, ooooooh I love it. To be wanted and needed in order for them to feel better. Whether it be one of my friends or one of my sweet students who is having a hard day and needs to just hold me hand for a minute, I know God created me to be a nurturer. Judson needs me every day. He reaches for me all throughout the night to make sure I'm still there and holds my hand till either him or I fall asleep. My silly dog finds comfort in me. She too, all throughout the night, comes to my bed side and sticks her wet nose on my face or arm just to make sure I'm still there. She FREAKS out when we leave and FREAKS out when we finally get back home.
Now I could list a lot of other things that make me feel comforted like macaroni and cheese, a hot shower at the end of the day, singing worship songs on Sunday morning, and a good cup of coffee. But to spare you, I will just say, being in my comfort zone is awesome.
Then, last night I read this:
"Ask yourself this question: Would I rather live a life of ease and comfort and remain immature in Christ, or am I willing to be seasoned with suffering if by doing so I am conformed to the image of Christ?"
At first my reaction was "YES! SAY ON, BROTHER!" I began to say a prayer asking God to continue to refine me and tear me down in order to be built up in His likeliness. Then, my heart sank. And I immediately wanted to retract what I just prayed. "Wait a minute… tear me down? refine me? take AWAY the things that give me comfort so I solely rely on You?" I began to be a real drama queen and almost made myself start bawling at the thought of losing a family member or a friend prematurely. And I can't even say it, but it starts with a "my hus" and ends with a "band". Then I started to really spiral this thinking into what if someday I'm told I can't have kids? What if our house burned down someday? etc. etc. etc.
Oh, Satan is really good at this, isn't he? Fear. I have this image in my head of my walk with Christ like Dorothy walking down the yellow brick road to Emerald City. I have my number one peeps by my side on this journey of course (the lion, scarecrow, tin man, and toto). That wicked witch is sneaky though! She tries everything she can to stop them, scare them, destroy them. So, think deep with me here, what are your flying monkeys? What is it that you hope never comes flying into your life and bumps you out of your comfort zone?
I can't help but think of the unexpected heartbreaks and disappointments I've felt so far in my life and how I HATED them. I've been brought to my knees before. But you know what, it got me here. I survived! It made me to be the woman I am right now. How could I ever doubt that God would throw me an obstacle so big that I wouldn't come out of it glorifying Him? I don't talk about it much but there was a season in my life, about two years ago, where I seriously started doubting that there was a God. I had just been pushed to my limits in multiple aspects and I was also taking a religion class that really messed with my head. One of my best friends told me to read all Job in the bible and I didn't want to, but one night I did. As I was reading I just started crying and laughing at the same time because it was God just speaking right to me saying, "Emily Elizabeth, you silly woman, I KNOW what I am doing in your life. So just chill, okay?"
A couple of months of faith building later, I got the word "faith" tattooed on my body, so I would never be able to run from it again.
That very day, Judson took me on our first walk.
Never doubt God's refinement in your life. It may hurt. It may be unexpected. But He will be glorified. I pray I find more confidence in this and security - COMFORT - in knowing that no matter what, God will carry me through.
