Where Do You Find Your Comfort?

We know when we don’t like something. Right? On the flip side, we are conversant with what we do enjoy. We know what, when, how, where, and why we like what we like! Give us time, and we’ll detail the “how.” It’s like me and coffee. Strong. Black. Hot. Often. My soda of choice? Always Dr. Pepper. Bed? Firm. Clothes? Comfortable. Shoes? No strings attached. Temperature? South of 60. Peanut Butter? Super Crunchy!

Yet, for most of our comfortable choices, we are equally critical of what doesn’t work.

Most uncomfortable spaces are filled with negative words and feelings.

Vehemently, we say no. Never. T’ain’t no way! Like the plague (pandemic?), we avoid places and people that don’t fit with our version of the life we choose to find comfort within.

This is a life where we find comfort. It may not be perfect, but it’s what you are happy spending your resources to enjoy.

During the pandemic, we all changed what we were comfortable with. Eventually, some will leave that shell early, and others may never leave. I never slowed down during this season. Pastoring a church was hugely different when the doors were not allowed to open; even if the doors opened to all, many would feel uncomfortable attending.

Get a grip! It’s changing all the time! What did I say the other day, “Accept the blows… Go with the flow!” There have been many blows to what I’ve had to accept.

Likes and Dislikes

Choices are based on likes and dislikes. Your body likes it one way, and you’re happy never to go to that other place. For me? Snow. Cold. Wet. Gloomy. I’m fine! Hot. Sandy. Gritty. Humid? It’s never my “go-to” destination. Yes. I’ve been to Hawaii twice. Beautiful and interesting, but there’s no winter at the beach! That’s when I would be there!

I was thinking about being an introvert in an extroverted world. I escape the crowds and love quiet, solitary life. But I need a daily road trip, even if it’s just to get fuel for the vehicles. Or, at the very least, time on the tractor to feel like I’m participating in going somewhere!

My bride and I prefer road trips. If I never got on another airplane, except in an emergency or overseas trip, I would be content to road-trip through the remainder of my life. Road trips cost! Sometimes it’s a bundle more expensive to drive rather than fly. Most times, it takes a longer trip through life to get to a destination!

EV life will change all of this, but maybe the real impact will come only after I can no longer drive. This made me think of life as it changed from the horse and buggy to the horseless carriage. The new world took a lot of infrastructures and societal change before we accepted it as the normal way of running into town.

Comfort Costs…Comfort Requires

You may not remember a show from the ’60s – Green Acres. It was a spin-off (I think) of Petticoat Junction. If you have no clue, then this reference is for you.

A man (Eddie Albert) decided he wanted Farm Life, not Park Avenue. His wife (Eva Gabor) was the opposite. Of course, they bought the dilapidated farm and moved out of the city. Noting went right, but he was happy. She seemed to fit in with glamor no matter what she wore and was content to live wherever, but her heart was in the city. Even with a pig named Arnold…

Happiness is knowing where you fit best
and easily slipping into that comfortable space.
Comfort is knowing that this happy place
costs you something you choose to afford.

One of my favorite Instagram accounts is Cabin Life Alaska. Life off the grid requires a lot of work to make your cabin comfortable. Chopping wood, collecting water, fuel for the generator, and so on. No electricity or phone/cable connection, but he is within 5 miles of a cell tower – hence, you can get a taste and vision of life away from the hustle and bustle. Sounds just about perfect!

I posted yesterday about an experience with a true off-the-road, no power, only a beaver pond for water, and a cabin whose door was open so bears wouldn’t destroy anything if they chose to go inside! [Click Here} Hmmm. How far are you willing to go to find your comfort zone?

We realize that “comfort requires effort.” Never let it be said that we get along where and when we want, and it doesn’t take effort to be there. Everything takes effort. Everything costs something. How are you prepared to spend your effort, dollars, and time so that you can be comfortable?

Comfort costs something. Sometimes more than you have to spend. That’s probably when you put your comfort on the back shelf and work harder to enjoy that special time and place far into the future.