Comfort Zones

"And they said unto her, Surely we will return with thee unto thy people."
Ruth 1:10

Every so often a new phrase gains popularity and you hear it everywhere you turn.  One that comes to mind is reference to one's "comfort zone".  We are told by christian leaders that we need to learn to stretch ourselves and get outside these comfort zones.  Comfort zones remind me of the familiar creaks in an old house.  After you have lived in the same house for many years, you learn which boards creak in which room.  You know when someone is on the stairway when you hear a certain creak.  

But if you are new to the house, the creaks are scary.  You feel threatened and afraid.  Who can be crossing the room?  I think that is often our problem with christian service outside our "comfort zone".  It seems scary.  We don't know what will be asked of us or how we can manage it.  You can bet that Ruth left her "comfort zone" far behind when she followed Naomi back to her homeland.  But look at the blessings that followed them both.  Surely it was worth the risk.

My prayer for today:  Father, help us break out of our well-defined routines - our comfort zones.  Help us be willing to take risks for You.