Comfort zone

Recently, I was working on labor and delivery on call. We had just delivered a healthy baby but the mom had a tear in a location that was a bit unusual. Now I have repaired several of these tears before but the resident that I was working with had never done it.  I gave him general instructions on how to do the repair but I could tell that he was a little bit nervous. It took a long time but eventually he repaired it and it looked really nice. He turned to me though and said "man I really don't like doing that kind of repair. I like the other one so much better." I turned to him and said "well if you only did what was in your comfort zone, you would never learn anything." He thought for a second and said "you're right." He learned a new skill that day and while he might not use it that often, when it comes again he's going to know what to do. He will also feel a lot more comfortable doing it.

Of course that is a lot like life. Sometimes we get complacent and happy to be where we are. We do what we like to do, we know how to do it, it feels comfortable to do it, and so we go on like that. However, it is when we reach out of our comfort zone that we expand ourselves and we learn more. We must strive to become better than what we are to experience the fullness that God has planned for us.

Right now I am in the midst of this situation. It would be so much easier to just stay in my comfort zone, do what I know how to do, and keep doing it comfortably. I do believe however that God has called me to do something different. It means a change of scenery, change of plans, a change of place, literally uprooting my family from everything they know and they are comfortable with doing. That kind of growth is exciting but also scary and intimidating. There's a lot that has to happen before changes can be effective and sometimes it so much easier to just stay where we are and keep doing what we know how to do. One thing about change is that it always comes with uncertainty. Unless we are willing to go out on a limb sometimes, we won't reap the rewards of our efforts.

Thinking back to biblical days, there were so many situations were people did not know what was going to happen to them. They couldn't do research on the Internet  to know the logical conclusion of their actions. They just had to trust God and do it. In those days people left home and never knew if they would ever return. People had babies and fully expected that they might not survive  the process. Peole were called by God all the time to do things outside their comfort zone. They were asked to go please, to do things sometimes even to love people that they didn't know. One thing that's constant about this world is that it is ever changing. We must lean on God and trust that he will make our paths go in the direction that we are intended to go. Only when we realize that with God all things truly are possible but without him everything that we do is pointless do we live to our full potential.

Time..

So these days, I find myself contemplating time, a lot. I doubt I am unique in this pursuit and imagine this subject is fuel for much change and self invention. As many have likely observed it seems that the less time you feel you have left,  the more precious it becomes. Sometimes I look at my sweet children as I tuck them in for bed. Part of me is grateful that it is indeed time for bed but part of me often lingers at the door, catching another glimpse, knowing that when they wake up they will be another day older. Days turn is to years and babies turn into teenagers.

Yesterday we took the time as a family to go to Great wolf lodge in the Wisconsin Dells. It had been several years and with all that we have had going on it seemed like a fitting retreat. The boys were thrilled  with our room, a "kids cabin." They had their own sleeping area with bunk beds. We only stayed one night but we packed a lot in. Waterpark, MagiQuest, arcade, gift shop for Avram's obligatory stuffy, more waterpark, dinner out, etc. Since this was the weekend before Halloween they also had some themed activities. The boys donned their costumes and went trick or treating in the hotel followed by a monster dance party. This was one of those moments where we observe Kade caught in time. He's only 9 but undoubtably already feels pressure to not be a little kid, to be "cool." As Avram danced like a madman with his signature quick feet, Kade stood on the side, slightly nodding his head to the beat. Finally, I grabbed him, pulled him out on the floor and dragged him around dancing. He nervously looked around but luckily finding no one he knew, he loosened up and began to dance. We had a great time, dancing around to Monster Mash and teeny bopper songs, Lynnea in my arms. When she got tired, I took a little break. As I stood there watching them, again my mind wandered to the subject of time. I wanted to hold that moment as long as I could. Two silly little boys, my little boys, enjoying themselves like little boys should.

Introducing... Lynnea Marie!

So I thought it was about time to rejuvenate this old blog. A lot has changed since I was on here last. Most notably the addition of one more child! I guess technically this blog should called Kade Avram and Lynnea! Lynnea was born in November 2012. She has been such an amazing blessing to our family. The boys have taken to her really well and love their little sis. I can't believe she is almost a year old. The last year has been filled with such joy and anticipation as we have watched her develop and grow. She has truly healed my heart and giving me so much happiness.

When I went into labor, Kade was actually at school. He had really wanted to attend the birth of his sister. I knew as soon as the contractions started that this was going to be another fast one. Luckily, I was able to call a neighbor who picked him up from school and brought him home. He got to be here after all! He was so funny coming in and out of the room, he was great comic relief. When Avram got home from school, he was a bit more reluctant. When he came into the room, Lynnea was screaming her little head off. He was instantly intimidated and basically walked right back out. It took him a good week to warm up. He actually didn't even hold her until she was a week old. His little neighbor friend was going to come over and I said to him Avram, Caden is coming over and he's going to want to hold your baby. Are you sure that you want him to hold your baby before you have held your baby? Instantly he said "I want to hold her." There was no looking back after that moment. Avram has tightly bonded to her. He loves to make her laugh and play with her. Both of the boys delight in her new developments. Whenever she gets a new trick they are equally excited.  They are really wonderful brothers!