Rewarding Discomfort

Like most people, I don't like doing new things by myself. And yet, my desire to try new things and live without regret often pushes me into new and uncomfortable siutations. A few highlights from where this philosophy has taken me: 1). Being 40 years younger than everyone else at a Sister City meeting, 2). Going to church by myself many, many times, 3). A collection of informational interviews - in the parking lot, in coffeeshops, and in offices, 4). Hanging anti-trafficking posters in gas stations along I-5, and 5). Yoga classes. As scary as it might be to try new things, I know that if I don't try them, I will always wonder what I missed, what could have happened, and how that event might shape my life.

Yesterday, I was brave. I went to a community meeting on food and justice at the Mustard Seed House in Seattle. I didn't know who was coming or what to expect, I just knew that it is a conversation I am very interested in. I heard about the event in October, and knew that I needed to go if the group hosted another event. Per usual, all of my fears and concerns melted away as I arrived and realized I was in the company of very like-minded people, and, possibly, new friends.

All day we learned new information and shared stories about how issues of food justice affect our lives. Stories of organic bananas, fair-trade coffee, hospitality, farmer's markets, child labor, Theo Chocolate, and food budgets were shared. We enjoyed a delicious lunch of homemade bread and vegetable soup. Usually I am quite timid to speak up in a large group, but for some reason, I was not shy at all. It was actually quite shocking to me, until I realized that I didn't feel timid because I had a lot of add to the conversation. All of my reading, reflecting, and experimenting had created my own stories to share with and encourage others. It was a gift to realize this. A gift to share and receive. A gift to participate in a lovely day of growth and encouragement.

The moral of the story? There can be great blessing in stretching yourself and putting yourself in uncomfortable situations. And, there can be great blessing in sharing Irish soda bread and blackberry jam with new friends.

Auntday

I had a wonderful auntday today. Baking cookies, smelling babies, finding treasure on the moon, playing Star Wars matching games, wearing a party hat though it was no one's birthday, playing hide and seek - what a glorious day with my three favorite kids.