I’m in a rut. How do I know this? I’m procrastinating. I’m wasting time. I’m “vegging” in front of the television. I’m not reaching out and I’m not challenging myself beyond my comfort zone. I think I need a good, solid kick in the butt!
So what should one do to challenge oneself? Go the extra mile! Maybe you need to start small – so go an extra quarter mile! Instead of turning your back on someone who is irritating you, try listening harder to what they are saying and look a bit beyond the apparent problem. Are they angry? It is probably not anger at you. What made them angry? Was it the way somebody else treated them? Perhaps in a kind way, you can make them see how their own behavior is affecting you.
Does somebody look sad, lonely, empty? I bet you can find some way to cheer them up. I just read a story about a five year old girl who wanted to give one dozen roses away to people of her choosing on her birthday. The account said the act had a profound impact on everyone involved.
When we stop thinking of our own feelings, and attempt to do more for others we actually feel better – about ourselves, and about others. Step out of your comfort zone. Get out of that chair! Make a difference in somebody’s life.
The recent bombings in Boston, and the resulting manhunt brought fear and terror to our nation. They resulted in loss of life and limb for too many innocent people. Yet, there were an amazing amount of still other innocent persons who put their lives on the line to help, and to bring order out of chaos. They are true heroes. They are extraordinary examples of selflessness and love. When I think of them, I realize that I, indeed, have a great distance to go before I can come even a little close to greatness.
My first action, though, must be to push myself beyond my comfort zone. It IS possible for all of us to be better than we are!
The Prisoner's Prayer Book 