This week our church is involved in a mission’s trip. Not overseas—but right here in Sterling Heights and its surrounding cities. We’re serving multiple communities in a variety of creative and practical ways. Laura and I signed up to help at a block party. Our marching orders for the assignment included: setup, parking, tear down… and interacting with the block party guests.

Being innately shy, the last part of our assignment had me concerned. I don’t prefer crowds, unless I’m on a platform teaching. Mingling with crowds pushes us shy people out of our comfort zones. We spend time fretting before these events: “How much energy is this going to require?” “What if moments of awkward silence happen?” “Do I really have to do this?” “God send violent weather so the event will be cancelled!”

The morning of the block party I asked God to help with those introvert fears. And you know… He did. (Why should I be surprised?) For three hours at the event, I was a whirling dervish. Talking it up with strangers, serving moms cold water while they were caring for their kids, taking pictures at the request of families I didn’t know, having a 45-minute conversation with a guest. Joking, laughing, and having a great time.

Now for the reality check. As soon as the block party ended, exhaustion took over. And I thought, “I’m glad God doesn’t ask me to do block parties every week!” God usually uses us in our gift areas. But occasionally He directs us to serve in ways designed to stretch us. To participate in activities outside of our comfort zone. And I’m learning we need to get more comfortable being uncomfortable. The question is, how? Not 100% sure about the following ideas—they are still forming in my brain—but here goes.

The occasional out-of-the box assignment is usually:

Not as bad as we imagined

When forced outside a comfort zone, our mind can obsess over the negative possibilities. I played high school football, and used to get nauseated before every game. I asked the same tortured question every week: “Why did I choose to play this sport?” And every game night, my distress vanished immediately after the first collision on the field. The football assignment wasn’t nearly as bad as I imagined. In fact, tackling people turned out to be rather enjoyable. Understanding things usually are never as bad as we dream them up to be, gets us more comfortable with the idea of being uncomfortable.

A reminder of how awesome God is

He uses us even when our insides are churning. He never requires us to do something without Him being right by our side. In the middle of the block party, I sensed (for real) God was with me. Even when He gives you a task which is not your cup of tea, He comes alongside and gives you strength to do it well. Getting back in touch with God’s awesomeness helps us find comfort in the uncomfortable.

A point of growth

Most weightlifters will tell you muscle growth requires making peace with discomfort. Assignments outside of our comfort zone can teach us stuff. They enlarge our circle of relationships. And even—from time to time—uncover hidden talent.

Now… I’m not lobbying for majoring on assignments where we lack skill and passion. Square pegs in round holes usually don’t produce good outcomes.  But once in a while, God puts us in uncomfortable situations simply because a job needs to get done… or He wants us to grow… or He wants us to remember how great He is.

When I think about the block party… good feelings emerge… a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment push up. Who knows… I might even sign up again next year!