Comfort Zones

I was nervous as the day began, knowing that today would be a day 3 journeys of testing and stretching in a season of unsettled newness.
Journey 1: Another trip to St Luke's. Going back still a bit emotional especially the anticipation. Journey inwards into the loss, sharing deep held feelings with a stranger, shedding a few tears. But smiling at good memories, wise counsel and the possibility of newness.
Journey 2: Back to the house for a national Skills Council webinar with 30 "inspirational leaders" from public, private and charity sectors working on health empowerment and social care. I underwhelm even myself as a leader at times but it turns out that I know a bit about community skills development. So that worked out well.
Journey 3: A Charity Gala fundraiser for work. A room full of rich folks in 'back tie' and new frocks. This was by far the most testing and uncomfortable for me, far more so than the facing of internal struggles. I'm not that great in this kind of environment and struggle to relate. Glued a smile on and got through it but I have not felt more tense than this in a long while.
In the midst of a day like this I also received unexpected grace from a good friend and that helped me to get through it intact and maybe having deepened self awareness and friendship.
We sang this recently - it was Janette's choice and a favourite hymn that she knew I would need to keep singing:

"When we set up camp and settle
to avoid love's risk and pain,
You disturb complacent comfort,
pull the tent pegs up again;
keep us travelling in the knowledge
you are always at our side;
give us courage for the journey,
Christ our goal and Christ our guide."
(Joy Dine)