Dick and I were riding up to an early breakfast one January morning and it was cold. The sun had just come up, and as we passed a thermometer we got colder. It said 40 degrees, and just the sight of that temp made us much colder. Funny how 40 doesn't sound that cold to you guys in Pennsylvania in winter, but to us SoCal guys that is cold.
Last July as Theresa and I crossed into Vermont from New York state-I highly recommend SR 22, a beautiful ride, it had been hot. We were stopping often to drink water, and had been in 90 degree weather for a couple of weeks. Greeting us as we crossed the state border was a temp sign saying 101-and suddenly we got very hot. Somehow the nineties was tolerable, triple digits pushed us over the edge. And yes, 101 is hot for Vermont!
Seems there is a certain thermostat built into us, more of mind than of matter. In summer we set our AC on 76 when it gets into the nineties. And it feels cool and comfortable. But yet if I set the heat in winter to 76, it seems warm! Is this just me, or do you do the same? Or is it possible we are impossible to please? Or do we really know when we are comfortable? I know for sure when I am uncomfortable!
I grow tired of hearing teachers tell me "to get out of my comfort zone." This popular, worldly cliché has invaded the church, and is used to encourage, or indict, or persuade the flock for whatever the pastor's reason. And I take exception to it, because unless we walk in the spirit, aka the Comforter, we are at odds with God, and should be uncomfortable. And the last time this was brought up, I challenged the teacher, telling him "I've worked a long time to get where I am in my relationship with God. I am finally in His comfort zone, and I don't want to leave it." Particularly when using legalistic tactics are used.
Are you sure you are where God wants you to be? Has He put something on your heart, and you wrestle with it, no peace? Maybe that is the Holy spirit urging you-so give in to Him. And watch as the peace that surpasses understanding envelopes you. Inside, outside, and all around. And watch as your viewpoints change. What was once difficult, is now fun. What was impossible, now happens as a daily occurrence. Pray, and ask for God to bless you, and watch as He sends His spirit-but it is up to you to trust Him, and let Him guide you. And when you are truly in God's comfort zone-you don't want to leave it! so don't do anything to screw it up! Trust and obey!
God loves to bless, and He blesses me often. Because I choose to let Him. I have learned that rather than freeze at 40, I dress for it. Rather than die in 100 degree heat, and humidity, I drink more liquids. In each case, I adapt to the situation-and no, whining and crying don't count. Try doing things God's way, and watch as you enter into His comfort zone. Trusting Him to guide you, as He provides for you. God knows exactly what you need, He calls it daily bread. And it is new every morning.
The three bears each slept good in their own beds. And even Goldilocks would be uncomfortable in Papa's or Mama's bed-they weren't hers. So trust God, your bed is custom made just for you, and let His spirit guide you. Get into His comfort zone, and enjoy true peace and joy. Where the spirit of the Lord is there is liberty!
Just another benefit of knowing Jesus Christ. Now if the factory could only produce a better seat, I could ride longer! Heated grips-not in summer! But never be more comfortable than riding in the spirit! No matter the temperature, God is always cool!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com