Get comfortable with being uncomfortable
I recently heard these words from a senior leader in my civilian job. The timing of these words didn’t feel coincidental as my transition to a new role was announced that same week. In less than five days, I would be leaving a role where I served for greater than five years. My children became teenagers in this role. I watched teammates go from individual contributors to leaders and mentors to those that stood in the shoes they once filled. I remembered when I took the role wondering what in the world someone was thinking when they put me in as the lead of a Fleet organization. And here we are, five years later, feeling like I am leaving home and a family forged through trials, tribulations, and celebrations. I sat in the audience of hundreds feeling like the message was meant just for me…get comfortable with being uncomfortable.
I don’t know about you, but anytime of transition is filled with emotions of sadness and loss of what you are leaving, anticipation and anxiety on where you are going, and an overall feeling of being in both worlds and all that requires until the dust settles in both organizations. Joshua reminded the people of Israel as they were moving to “inherit” the land promised to them to “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord you God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NIV). God calls us to do the same as we move through life and go through these transitions. It’s a lot easier being comfortable with being uncomfortable when you have God on your side.
So, today, as I walked into my new office for the first time, there was a slight skip in my step as I crossed the threshold into my new tomorrow. I bid farewell to my old team, but not goodbye. I said hello to new teammates knowing that one day, when it is time to transition again, I will have similar feelings as I did today leaving my old team.
I can’t say that I love change or that I was overly excited to leave the comfort of my old role, but I can say I am thankful for the opportunity to learn and grow and maybe be a positive voice in someone else’s life.
Today, I pray that you lean in when asked to get uncomfortable. Take comfort in knowing that regardless of where your journey takes you, God will always be with you.
