Friends, Gilmore Girls, The Office; whatever program it is for you, think about how much you love it. You know the characters, the story, maybe even the punchline, but you continue to watch it, over and over. Maybe because it's comfortable.
We all have things in our lives that make us feel comfortable.
I am currently enjoying a holiday in England for Christmas. I am having a lovely time but it is incredible how so quickly family, friendships and even the weather can feel comfortable. What was once familiar has now become comfortable.
One of my favourite past times is people watching. That baby discovering new objects, an elderly person reading the newspaper, or the classic middle aged lady trying to read the screen on her iPhone. We all know the joy we find in others.
As I observe people however, I am aware that we may not be conscious of one another's struggles. Moment to moment, day by day we walk by people who might be dealing with insecurities, heartache loneliness and so many other things. From the outside they may appear "comfortable".
From the outside they may appear like they have it altogether. Sadly I am hearing more and more stories of people who haven't known how to deal with that struggle.
A Christian experience
As Christians I think it can become easy to feel comfortable. We get ourselves in friendship groups, serving and involved in ministry and before we know it we have a pretty good set up.
Often, we feel uncomfortable when we are out of routine, talking to new people and experiencing different things. But God didn't call us to comfortable living, He called us to depend on Him... even when that means living uncomfortably.
Recently I have felt convicted by God about the familiar life I have created for myself. The sun wakes up, a new day has been given and so my routine begins.
With the Holy Spirit living inside of us, we are capable of doing anything. He has designed us to be in constant communion with Him, checking in and following His leading.
One key thing we were designed for is relationship. Relationship with parents, peers, co-workers, yes but also with people unknown to us. Though they might be unknown to us, someone knows them very well. We can bridge that gap and bring others into the comfortable arms of the Father.
I grew up in a family that went to church, but to me it felt very religious. I can explicitly remember one Sunday coming home from church, sitting by the fire place and thinking "yes I don't have to go to church for another week." Church didn't seem fun, rather it felt like something we had to do.
Years later I chose to go to church and as people invited me to youth events and later leading to joining Youth with a Mission, I have now learnt that I am comfortable when I am uncomfortable. This began when people reached out to me. This began when God asked people to be a part of my story.
As 2017 has commenced, whose story are you going to be a part of?
Rebecca Bowie is a young Christian who is intentionally seeking after Gods heart and striving to love people with everything. Now living in Brisbane Australia, was formerly living in London, England. She's a full-time volunteer at Youth with a Mission.
Rebecca Bowie's previous articles may be viewed at http://www.pressserviceinternational.org/becki-bowie.html