Out there...

Today I drew this.  Here's how it works.

The centre square is my comfort zone.  It has four solid walls, carefully invested in and intentionally built.  It has a lot of room in it to move around, swing my arms, run and stretch.  Within that space, I am totally cool - I know my own limitations, I know exactly how to operate within the zone.  I know what to expect, and I know how to respond to it, in fact, I can probably predict the comings and goings of that square.  I am safe to be assertive, to be a driver, mover, leader...as long as we stay within the zone!

Move out one square.  This is a scary place.  People who meet me here, think I'm shy.  I can go here, but I often don't know what to do.  Will I say something wrong, will I do something wrong, will I step on someone's toes.  In this zone, you lead, you choose, I will do whatever you suggest!  Sometimes I venture here, and good things happen.  Sometimes I venture here and get lost, and revert back to the safe zone.  Things can move from this zone to the safe zone with time, and effort and intentionality.  But it's normally a slow process.

Move out one square (no don't!!!).  This is the danger zone.  This is the world beyond my comfort zone, and even my 'uncomfort' zone!  This crazy wild area, has no boundaries, but it doesn't need any because I never go there anyway!  Well, not alone anyway.  If someone from the safe zone takes me beyond my zones, then it's as though I'm operating in the middle zone, but doing something I never would have thought.  I really want to go here, because here, I am pushed to go beyond my boundaries and expectations, I find this whole world of experience open up.  The excitement of the unknown and starting from scratch, learning, growing - I want to go here.  I know I look for easy ways - Who will take me here, who will show me, teach me, help me.  But sometimes, the easy way out is not the answer.  And if it was easy, it would be the safe zone.  But it's not.  I can't go by myself.

Or maybe I can.

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.