I was growing more impatient by the moment. I hate waiting. Stuck at the customer service desk at my local grocery store, I found myself perusing the “impulse items”. With each customer receiving care, the line got one person shorter until I was ALMOST at the front of the line. Just one more person.
The grocery store customer service representative must have sensed my impatience. She made eye contact with me and said, “thank you for your patience, ma’am. As soon as I help this customer, I will be right with you.”
The irony was not lost on me. She thanked me for my patience despite the fact that I had tapped my fingers, toes, and spleen waiting for the line to dissipate. I tried to pretend to be patient.
Although I could not hear the question of the person in front of me, I could clearly hear the response of the customer service representative at the grocery store.
“I am not certain, but let’s figure it out together.”
She left her safe, little cubicle, went to the other side of the desk, and walked with the woman into the heart of the grocery store.
It took just a few minutes for her to return, but her words and example stayed with me. It also made me think…
How Often do I leave my comfort zone for others?
How often, when people are struggling, do I fail to leave my comfort zone? We do I admit I do not have all the answers and walk alongside them in their time of uncertainty?
As a parent, I sometimes feel tempted to pretend that I have everything figured out. I don’t. Personally, I’ve read half a million books on parenting. I have two degrees from Bible colleges. Yet we are struggling to navigate this season of parenting with a daughter leaving soon for the real world. She will soon begin her journey of “adulting”. We are proud of her and feel she is ready for this transition, but it is not easy.
How do we combat our doubts? We pray. Then we admit our need and find wise mentors who are willing to leave the comfort of their homes, schedules, or experiences and come alongside us to help us figure it out with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We also have sought out younger parents who need encouragement. As a couple, we have come alongside them to help them figure things out.
In Galatians 6:1 and 2, “Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (NIV)”
Are you struggling? Do you feel impatience and dissatisfaction creeping into your thoughts? Remember, that we not only have a God who loves us. We also have the Body of Christ who can leave their comfort zones and will partner with you to help figure things out.
In addition, please sign up for my newsletter at amberlyneese.com. I would love to come alongside you and encourage you once a month with the message of the faithfulness and love of God.
Bio:
Amberly Neese is a popular speaker/teacher, comedian, author, and all-around encourager dedicated to helping you become the joyful person you were created to be.
She helps people like you experience the freedom found in meaningful relationships with God and others. Her bible studies, “The Belonging Project: Finding Your Tribe and Learning to Thrive” was released May 2020. Her latest projects “Common Ground: Loving Others despite Our Differences” and her devotional “The Friendship Initiative: 31 Days of Loving and Connecting Like Jesus” launched May 4th (yes, Star Wars day).
Amberly is a popular women’s retreat speaker, featured communicator for the Aspire Women’s Events, and the main host and female comedian for Marriage Date Night.
She and her husband have two older teens and live in Prescott, Arizona, where they enjoy the great outdoors, the Food Network, and all things Star Wars.
Amberly Neese
Author of “the Belonging Project: Finding Your Tribe and Learning to Thrive”, “Common Ground: Loving Others despite Our Differences” and “The Friendship Initiative: 31 Days of Loving and Connecting Like Jesus”
Facebook – Amberly Neese – Comedian/ Speaker
Instagram – AmberlyNeese_comedian
