by Brandon Jubar

The Comfort Zone

It's been a strange couple of weeks for me. Thanks to an office move and a demanding project, I've been feeling a little bit out of sorts.

A couple of weeks ago, the group I work with (yes, I have a day job) had to pack up everything and move across the street. We had basically been squatters for over a year, occupying space that was slated for eventual new-hires. In essence, our fellow employees evicted us.

Of course, I went from a cube to an office -- with a door and everything -- but I haven't yet decided which I prefer. The problem, I suppose, is that I have an interior office, ergo no window. Nothing but the hum of the fluorescents and the rumbling of the air conditioning.

As if this weren't bad enough... I have had almost no time to settle in and become familiar with my new digs. I have been hard at work setting up a massive, multi-year project, and have spent most of my time attending meetings in my old building!

There have been times like this in the past -- times when life seemed all topsy-turvy -- and I have felt frustrated and discouraged. But not this time. For some reason, this time around I'm doing just fine. As I said, I still feel a little bit out of sorts, but that's about it.

So the question is, what's different?

Well, it's taken a bit of contemplation, but I think I've figured it out. The difference this time is that my confidence comes from my skills and abilities. In the past, my confidence often stemmed from my familiarity with my surroundings and my routine. I was confident because I was comfortable. However, change the surroundings or alter the routine, and suddenly my confidence was gone. This time around though, the location doesn't matter. I can do an excellent job regardless of the where I'm physically located.

When I look at this phenomenon and apply it to my faith life, it provides some worthwhile insights.

From where does my confidence in God emanate? Is it a product of the comfort I feel within my Parish? If it comes from being at ease within my Parish community, then what happens when I am outside of that community? And if I am called to be Christ in the world, how can I do that when I lack confidence outside of my comfort zone?

On the other hand, if my confidence in God comes from the Holy Spirit as well as from my belief and understanding of our Catholic faith, then that confidence will not change with the surroundings. A different environment will not automatically erode that confidence, and I will be much better equipped to go out and spread the Good News!

Peace,
~Brandon

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bjubar@ParishWebmaster.com

Copyright 2002 by Brandon Jubar
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