Yesterday I experienced a feeling I haven’t had in a while: fulfilling discomfort.  I had the opportunity to check out Helping Hands, an organization that reaches out to Hamilton’s poor.  They run a ‘store’ full of clothing, books, blankets, and shoes, and each item is 100% free for those who need it.  The doors opened at 1:00 pm and I found myself jumping out of the way as people poured in and began selecting their necessities!  Such a lively, wonderful place.

To be totally honest, this type of thing does not come naturally to me.  For the most part I am used to talking to people who are in the same social and economic class as me, and it can be hard to know how to make conversation with people whose lives are very different.  I watched Helen, who runs the store, interact with each person and treat them with dignity.  Prostituted women, pimps, old people, young kids, single moms, drug dealers…these people all enter through the doors.  And the community I witnessed in that place touched me.

The hours flew by and as I got into the car and drove home, I was reminded that I am living in a totally different world than some of these people – demonstrated even by something as simple as having access to a car and not needing a blanket to keep me warm on the streets.  The feeling I had at the end of the say could be summed up in two words: fulfilling discomfort.  Getting out of my comfort zone does not happen nearly enough, and I am so grateful I had the opportunity to expand my outlook a bit yesterday.

What have you done lately that made you feel fulfilling discomfort?  If it has been a while, I’d encourage you to get out there and take a risk.  My prayer is that we would all make it a regular habit.

Be blessed girls!

Michelle