Getting Out of Our Comfort Zone is sometimes a good thing!

Some of us like change and some of us don't. It's easy to get into a routine that makes us comfortable but is it good to be too comfortable? I use to be very adventurous but lately I've been shy and timid not taking many chances. I had to make a change soon to feel satisfied so yesterday I drove myself to the city of Charlevoix and took a ferry ride across Lake Michigan to the enchanting emerald isle named BEAVER ISLAND.  I was alone on this trip and yet I kept drawing people who reached out and brightened my day. I chatted with amazing people on the ferry ride to BEAVER ISLAND and when I got to the island I immediately felt at home. After settling in at at a cozy family run motel  I began exploring the island by foot. About twenty minutes later a man offered to give me a ride (this is the norm on Beaver Island where it's common to leave your car and house unlocked and get rides from strangers). His name was Brian and he was born and raised on Beaver Island. Not only did Brian drive me to the lighthouse I wanted to see but he gave me a tour of part of the island without expecting anything in return. Brian showed me a lot of interesting places and he told me about some of the people that make BEAVER ISLAND their part or full time home. Some of them are very rich and powerful people and yet you wouldn't know because everything about the island is so down to earth and unassuming.

It's been a stressful year for me, full of endless responsibilities and this getaway was much needed even though it was brief. The people I met on Beaver Island gave me encouragement and were kind. It gave me hope to know that I can move elsewhere and start a new beginning, especially to a place like Beaver Island where life is simple and people help each other through thick and thin. It's a very Irish island filled with hospitality. I didn't want to leave but I had to.The biggest challenge of this trip though was returning back to Charlevoix where I began my journey.  The Beaver Island Boat Ferry Company wasn't operating their ferry today so my only choice was to fly in a small plane over Lake Michigan. I'm fearful of flying especially on a small aircraft but when I got to the airport five women who were close friends told me they would bring me comfort and they certainly did. What I thought would be a nightmare turned into something quite adventurous. The six of us women and the pilot took off from the tiny airport lifting up on a grassy runway. We flew over Beaver Island and then over Lake Michigan which has deep waters with dangerous currents. All five of those women kept assuring me that everything was fine and not to worry.

Within 15 minutes we were back on land. Everything went by so fast that I almost forgot that I was flying over deep waters in a small aircraft. The pilot was amazing, the five women on board were amazing and I got out of my comfort zone today. I've flown plenty of  big commercial planes (always with some fear) but today my fear vanished because these five women encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone and trust that all would be good. It certainly did turn out to be an adventure and now there will be more adventures to follow.

Feeling trapped? Feel like you need a little change? Don't hesitate to take the plunge and take a chance at something that makes you fearful. I shall remember today until my dying day because I got out of my comfort zone. Praying also played a key role. Trust the Lord to guide you and protect you. This morning I attended a church service and prayed for a safe journey and I'm thankful that the LORD was our co-pilot during our flight with "Island Airways."

Getting Out of Our Comfort Zone is sometimes a good thing! Blessings to all of you!

BEAVER ISLAND BLESSING: Numbers 6:22-26

"May the Lord bless you and keep you; May he let his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.; May he turn his face toward you and give you peace." All the days of your life' until we meet again.....