Principles – Comfort – 7/3/2015

   Last time we spoke of school of pain and its life lessons. We also tackled the issue of comfort that people spend their whole life searching for. However, we should realize that there is no absolute comfort in life. It is only found in Heavens.

   The issue of comfort varies and each person sees it from a different perspective. Some live and die seeking comfort while others enjoy it in the present time. I recall a story of a wealthy man who went on a fishing trip with one of his friends. They met a poor fisher who kept fishing for a short period then headed back to his home. The wealthy man was amazed that this little amount of fish was sufficient for the fisher. He thought that the fisher could have stayed longer to fish more; thus he would have increased his money, built a fleet and then he could enjoy his life with his family .His friend answered him that he was already leading a comfortable life and enjoying it at the present time.

   So the perspective of comfort varies and each one sees it differently. However, life would never be comfortable all the time. There are afflictions and difficulties each one should be ready to face.
Comfort Zone

   Comfort zone is a condition in which people talk openly and behave spontaneously. It is a life with no responsibility or duty and a little stress. One who adheres to his comfort zone, would exert limited effort to do the usual tasks without trying to take on any new chances.

Stepping out of Comfort Zone 
   One would never realize his true abilities if he stayed in his comfort zone. Nothing leads man to creativity, but problems that he solves and troubles he sorts out. Staying in comfort zone makes you stop at one point that you won’t be able to proceed. There is a Chinese saying that goes, “Be not afraid of moving slowly. Be afraid of standing still.” A life with no effort and progress can’t be considered a real life and would not give you the chance to grow up. Standing still at one point in your life might be a sign that you are stepping backward.

   The same applies to spiritual life; if a person gains a virtue then he stops practicing it gradually, he would not make any progress and he will eventually lose it.

   Have a short sitting on your own reflecting on your life, the dreams you had yet not fulfill, the tasks you said you would do yet you don’t. Don’t let your life pass by without utilizing your God-gifted capabilities and talents and pushing yourself to achieve what you really deserve.

General Bishop
Head of the Coptic Orthodox Cultural Center
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