Tonight I ate fish. I have eaten fish several times over the past year. I can’t say that I am learning to like it, but I am learning to eat it. You might look at this post and scratch your head and ask “why the contradiction”? I am glad you asked. In a minute I will tell you.
First, let me tell you another thing you need to know about me. I don’t like germs. Not a germaphobe really. I just don’t like touching things other people have touched. And sharing a glass or utensils? Um, no.
Tonight I ate off a fork with at least twelve other people. Yes – one fork. And, this too, I have done on multiple occasions in the past year. I just don’t think about it anymore. Well, actually the thought goes through my head but I have stopped dwelling on it. It is just the way it is and it has become a fact of my life so I attempt to go with the flow without getting the heebeejeebees!
Here is the answer…I have determined that people are more important than my comfort zone. You see God has drawn my heart to people who eat fish soup. In fact it is a staple at almost every celebration that I attend. And I don’t seem to notice the fish as much when I am looking a friend in the eye while spending a moment together. And a piece of birthday cake is somehow sweeter when shared from the same fork. It certainly made us laugh! And I wouldn’t pass up these moments for anything in the world.
So here are a few of the things I am learning on this journey.
1. I am not so special that I need my own fork.
2. Fish aren’t going to kill me as long as I don’t let them.
3. God is sovereign and that’s all I need to trust in.
My comfort zone seems to be growing wider and deeper as God digs things up and moves them around. I wonder what He will tackle next? I sure hope He doesn’t make me have to deal with snakes! But I am staying open. I have learned that it is easier than making Him pry things from my hands. And I can truly say that I am learning to be content whatever my circumstances. (Philippians 4:11)