Embracing the Joy of Inconvenience

In the last three months, a lot has changed in my life and family; from moving countries (again), to starting a new business, changing and embracing new family routines and building new relationships — it’s hard to ignore the fact that after four awesome years in Germany, my routines are changing, yet again.

Learning to NEVER settle

There is nothing wrong with routines. I mean, we all need some stability in life after all, right? But periodically God reminds me of this word from 2013: Convenience Makes No Sense. Earlier this week, I got the same reminder through the life and passion of Paul:

So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us — 1 Thessalonians 2:8.

Going out of your way to ‘share yourself’ with others is not very ‘convenient’. It pulls you out of your comfort zone. It’s risky because often you’re stepping into the unknown. Just when I thought I’d done enough this year, this verse reminded me of the need to do more; to take more God-centered risks and be willing to be stretched… even further.

It’s easy to settle. But over the years, I’ve experienced how settling too much, too long can hinder rather than inspire a life of purpose. Sometimes, you just have to shift and do things differently. If you will make your life count, then remember this:

NEVER settle!

The joy of inconvenience

There’s enormous joy in God-inspired inconvenience. We have limited time on earth to make impact in life. So make the most of every opportunity you have in your current season and sphere of influence. And if there’s none, let’s be like Paul, and proactively seek new opportunities to ‘share ourselves’ with others… not seasonally, but making it part of our routine.

As we approach the end of the year, take a moment and ponder the following questions:

• Am I being the best I can be right now… for God, my family, my friends, my church, my colleagues… for myself?
• What do I need to change in my life in order to positively change the trajectory of my destiny?
• When was the last time I challenged myself to step out and do more?
• Am I stretched enough… yet?

The joy of inconvenience is not an easy route but a choice to live differently so you can be different. I challenge you to stretch yourself and step out of ease. Be an inspiration to someone in desperate need of your support.

Look beyond yourself and instead give yourself in a way that challenges others to live the God-intended life and in their own purpose. You have to be willing to be inconvenienced, to go the full stretch… but this is the life that truly matters. And there’s so much JOY in it.

I pray you experience and embrace the joy of inconvenience.

Image courtesy of Nellies | Flickr