“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone”. I read these words on a t-shirt the other day and have been reflected on them ever since. As you look back over your life, don’t you agree with the truth of this statement? It was asking that “special someone” out for the first time, trying out for that team you didn’t think you could make, applying for the job you weren’t really sure you were qualified for, taking that mission trip or a host of other times you’ve stepped out of your comfort zone that have really made you who you are today.

If all that is true, then why do we balk and hesitate so often when it comes to stepping outside our comfort zones? The reality is, we love our comfort much more than adventure. We love to play it “safe” more than placing our faith in God’s guidance and protection. When we cling to our comfort, we not only miss out on God’s plan being fulfilled in us and through us, we also simply miss out on the joy and exciting life God’s intends for everyone of us. And we miss out on the stories that make each of our lives so rich as we share them with others. How many of us would be captivated listening to an old man in the later days of his life sharing with us how he played it safe, stayed on the couch, watched TV and arrived safely at death at an old age? Not me!

I am thoroughly convinced, the life God intends for everyone of us is found OUTSIDE our comfort zone, and the biggest temptation to missing God’s best is comfort. All that being said, today, on my vacation, I’m going shark fishing! I’ve never really been fishing before, but a friend asked me to go and I really feel like it’s something out of my comfort zone that I need to do. My brother Scott also asked me to go shark fishing with him in the same week, so I’ll be out on the water two times this week. I’m not sure what all is going to happen, but I do believe that there’s going to be some great stories to be told afterward and my relationship with both my friend and brother will be even stronger after such an exciting shared experience.

What opportunity are you facing today that is outside of your comfort zone? Go ahead and let life really begin for you today, at the end of your comfort zone!