Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone
Dear Friends,
As summer arrives, many of us begin to think about holidays—times to rest, recharge, and perhaps, even reluctantly, try something new. This year, on own family holiday, I found myself facing one of those “new” experiences: my children were eager to explore some local caves in Mallorca. While they were buzzing with excitement, I’ll admit I felt anxious as caves aren’t exactly my idea of fun! Dark, damp, and unknown? I’d rather be on a sunny beach with a good book.
Then, I came across an article about bog snorkelling. Yes, you read that right. It involves donning a snorkel and plunging into a freezing, muddy swamp to “swim” through thick, brown water. It’s messy, it’s cold—and apparently, it’s joyous! Participants describe it as a hilarious, unforgettable community experience. But for me? Absolutely out of my comfort zone.
Yet as strange as bog snorkelling sounds, the message behind it stayed with me: sometimes joy, connection, and even transformation is found when we step beyond what feels safe and familiar.
Isn’t that what the disciples experienced after Pentecost? Just days before, they were hidden away in fear, uncertain and hesitant. But then, filled with the Holy Spirit, they found the courage to step out—to preach, to heal, to build a new kind of community. They didn’t stick to the “comfortable”; they followed the Spirit into the unknown, and through it, encountered God in new and powerful ways.
Comfort zones aren’t bad. They’re places of rest and safety, and we all need those. But God also invites us beyond them—not to frighten us, but to show us that He is already there, waiting in the unknown. Whether it’s a muddy bog, a dark cave, or a conversation with someone different from us, stepping out in faith can bring growth, surprise, even joy.
So, this summer, whether you’re venturing abroad, exploring the local countryside, or simply taking a break from routine—why not try something a little uncomfortable? Maybe visit a different church, talk to someone new, volunteer in a new way, or spend a few minutes in quiet prayer, listening for God’s nudge.
You never know what you might discover. As the disciples found, and as I tried to remind myself before I spent a few hours exploring those caves… life in all its fullness often waits just outside our comfort zone.
With every blessing for a joyful, surprising, Spirit-led summer,
Revd. Andrea Colbrook
Rector