Comfort Zone? What Comfort Zone?

"Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground."
~Psalm 143: 10

It's 9:00PM on a Monday night.  August 30, 2010.  The first day back at Central Minnesota Christian School for a new school year.  What a fantastic day.  It was a good day to see friends, teachers and students. 

It was fun to watch the new little kids with big, wide eyes walk down the hallway to their new classroom.  To take it all in for the first time with awe and excitement.  That part of school never gets old.

Today also brought a new bus route.  Instead of going exclusively to Montevideo, now I go to Granite Falls AND Montevideo.  The kids are great.  The route is great.  I am excited for this new year.  Well, almost excited.

There are a few things that stress me out.  Scheduling stresses me out.  Working through less than ideal situations stresses me out.  Not living up to the expectations of others stresses me out.  Feeling like I am not always treated fairly or equally stresses me out.  I hate being stressed out.  For any reason.

However, this is an awesome opportunity for God to grow me.  Stretch me.  Take me out of my comfort zone and let me be His hands and feet.  It's a good thing.  Not always the most comfortable thing, but a good thing.  I am thankful that God does that.  I am thankful that He always knows best even if I think that I do.  His ways are good ways and always right ways. 

Thank You, Jesus, for a great start to the new year.  Thank You for all of the trials and all of the triumphs.  Thank You for Your precious children who are excited to learn and grow this year.  Thank You for this life, God, and help me to use it to bring You glory.  I love You, Jesus.  Amen.