Sometimes socializing is like going to the dentist…

I really don’t enjoy being in a situation where I do not know a majority of the company present. When I first moved to Arizona I was forced to do this on a weekly basis. I was constantly forcing myself to get out of the car and walk into my own personal version of torture. Ok, maybe torture is too strong. It was like going to the dentist. That’s it. Slightly painful and not overly enjoyable until the very last few minutes.The thing is that in these situations, I know that I will be fine… eventually. I’m just really good at arguing with myself. Often the discussion goes a little something like this:

Ginger: You need to get out of the car and go into this Bible Study.
Ginger: But I don’t know anyone in there..
Ginger: That’s WHY you are going. So you can make some friends.
Ginger: But I have friends.
Ginger: Um, it doesn’t count if they are 18 hours away.
Ginger: I know, but what if these people…
Ginger: Stop making excuses.
Ginger: You know, I’m probably at the wrong place. I don’t see many cars. I should just go.
Ginger: GET OUT OF THE CAR.
Ginger: Ok!! I’m going! Gosh! (Yes, I say gosh.)

I’m getting pretty good at getting out of the car. I’ve been in Arizona for almost six years and I’ve come to realize that the best things have come once I get out of the car.  I can’t address an audience from a car.  I can’t audition for theatre from my car.  My first date with my now husband would have been REALLY awkward if I had remained in my car the whole time.  Sometimes wisdom might dictate otherwise.  Not every opportunity available is what’s best for you… but I can tell you that most of the life-changing moments in your future won’t happen while you sit in your car and watch everyone else walk inside.

 

I still have a lot of fear to overcome.  I’m still creating friendships and new business relationships.  I’m trying to take risks and push myself.  But sometimes I need a REALLY BIG PUSH.

Dear Lord, please help me to trust you more.  Help me to take steps of faith every day.

Help me get out of the car.

I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made. But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me. Friends, don’t get me wrong: By no means do I count myself an expert in all of this, but I’ve got my eye on the goal, where God is beckoning us onward—to Jesus. I’m off and running, and I’m not turning back.  Philippians 3:12-14, The Message

Don’t miss out on anything our Father has to offer… He is beckoning you onward!

Following,
Ginger

*previously posted on August 9, 2011