Everybody knows that the rule of thumb when shopping for kids school shoes is to purchase those that are at least half a size bigger to allow ample room for growth during the school year.Β As a child, I remember having my mom bend down to touch the front of my shoes to feel for my toes.Β This toe test helped her determine if the shoes fit, and if they did, I wouldnβt be wearing them. Β A bigger size was necessary!
These days, I still find myself using the toe test but not only as I buy shoes for my daughters.Β I more so use it to measure the different areas in my life.
Let me explain.Β You see, the concept remains the same.Β When we are comfortable with an area of our life whether career, relationships, choices, finances, body image, or even a pattern of thinking, we should know there isnβt any room to grow.Β And just like a pair of shoes that fits snug, something bigger is necessary!
A more familiar term to describe this limited mentality might be comfort zone.
Everyone has one.Β This is the place where we donβt need God to succeed.Β Here, we remain well within our boundaries and can manage everything on our own.Β It is a place where challenge does not exist and neither does promotion.
Comfort is closely related to complacency and this is where the problem lies.Β When we become complacent we lose our vision for anything bigger.Β It is much easier to stick to what we know is safe.
Recently, I stepped out of my comfort zone and began writing a weekly blog. Β Although I enjoy writing and providing inspiration to others through the written word, it was a challenge to commit to writing on a weekly basis and in a blog format.Β Will people read what I write?Β Will what I write touch the lives of others?Β Will I have something different to write about every week? These and many more questions arose as I toyed with the idea.
Stepping into an environment that is bigger than what we know and are familiar with, forces us to expand our knowledge and stretch our thoughts.
As uncomfortable as it is to step beyond the place of familiarity, true growth can only take place when we reach the end of our abilities and enter into the beginning of Godβs.Β For me, this is the place where I rely on Him to show up in order to be successful.Β It is the place where my heart flutters in uncertainty of what lies ahead.Β It is the place where the shoe is a little big for me, but I chose to wear it anyway and trust that God will help me grow into it.
Have I not commanded you?Β Be strong and courageous.Β Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.Β Joshua 1:9
I pray today that if the shoe fits, you donβt wear it and look for a bigger pair instead.Β After all, who could say no to a new pair of shoes?!
…By the way, this article was included in a compilation of posts on “Cheerleader of Faith”, Kelly Balarie’s blog. Β Please visit her site today,Β Purposeful Faith, and check out the other wonderful writers who are sharing their encouraging posts, I promise you will be blessed! Β
Great and inspiring post Rosie! I don’t want to ever become complacent. I’ll be stretching my thoughts, and grabbing a new pair of shoes.
Glad to hear that Doris! Thank you for your comment. π
Love this toe test Rosie! Room for growth… Beautiful. Susan
Thanks Susan. This is a “No Tight Shoe Zone”, LOL.
Rosie,
I love everything about this post! I love how you related our growth to shoes (great image)! I’m in the same pair of big shoes finding my way around the blogging world. Walking in these shoes is both fun and scary, uncomfortable and challenging. I’m learning so much. One of my favorite parts is meeting women like you who are wearing the same size shoes as me. Thank you!
You are absolutely correct Valerie! It can be a scary and uncomfortable place. Just like little girls walking around with mom’s way too big shoes on we will eventually not only fit into them but wear them with class!…And then it’s time to move into a bigger pair, LOL! It’s great connecting with you and I appreciate your thoughts π
It is a joy to be a co-guest blogger with you today on Purposeful Faith! I love your post and can totally relate. I too am in a place in my life where I am stepping out of my comfort zone in several areas, and I am looking forward to seeing how God will work all things for good. Have a wonderful day in Him, Rosie!
The pleasure is mine to co-guest blog along side of you and the other wonderful ladies! Bravo to you for stepping out of your comfort zone! His plans are always to prosper us. Be blessed π
WOW YES!! I have never thought about shoes in this way and will probably never think about shoes fitting in the same way again! Such a great and thought provoking analogy. Thank you from your #RaRaLinkup sister π
Thanks Sarah. Shoes will never be the same again! LOL…
What a great challenge! Thanks for these words, and for this encouragement to leave room to stretch right out of my comfort zone. Blessings on your week!
Blessings to you too Kate…It’s all about continuous growth!
Love this post!!! Encouraging words!! There is room to grow. I’m visiting you today from Intentional Tuesday! Blessings!
Yes Tayrina, there is always room to grow. Welcome Intentional Tuesday π
I found your insights here so profound!
I never thought about the fact that when I am comfortable in any area of my life, then I’m not able to grow. Not that we are to seek uncomfortableness, but when we are comfortable, we should recognize it as such and seek to grow more and/or not to lose sight of our need for God in every aspect of our lives, even the comfortable ones.
Thanks for sharing!
Amen! You got it Karen! We need Him in every stage and aspect of our life. Thanks for your input.
This is a great word! Getting out of our comfort zone is needful if we want to grow. We often need to take on something where we can say, like you did, “I rely on Him to show up in order to be successful.” It’s kind of like taking a leap of faith and knowing He will catch you.
Thanks for sharing!
I like the comparison Jerralea, yes, just like a leap of faith. He meets us at the point of our expectation and never lets us down. π
Rosie, welcome to The Loft. So glad you linked up today with us. You are welcome in our space any time. I love the analogy of the shoes and whether they fit or not. Excellent post. Please come back and visit with us at The Loft.
Thank you Leah. I appreciate being able to share at The Loft and will definitely be back! I’m glad you enjoyed it π
This is such an important topic, Rosie, and I love your analogy. I find myself doing this often, but has stretched me and pushed me to step outside that comfort zone in new ways each year. I pray I continue to move forward in Him more and more each year.
Yes Abby, we must always seek to get uncomfortable and remember that it is about continuous growth. Thanks for stopping by.
A comfort zone can absolutely become our “junk” that we need to get rid of. Thanks so much for linking up today on #livefreeThursday. <3
Thank you for allowing me to share Suzie. #livefreeThursday
Thank you for these words! I love shoes too, but you are right about comfort zone and the need for room to grow. I love your words.. blessings!
Thank you DeAnna. I’m glad you related. π
Great article! The title really grabbed me and pulled me in. You are right, whenever we get comfortable it’s time to change things up. Glad I found you through the Word filled Wednesday linkup.
Thank you Sarah. Glad you liked it and I appreciate you stopping by.