During the Second World War many children in Britain were moved out of the cities into the country to be protected from the bombing. One person who opened the doors of his home to these children was C.S. Lewis. Solitude and quiet are essential ingredients to the environment of writers and so for Lewis to have children filling his home meant his work environment was drastically changed. In fact that change would put his work life in jeopardy. I can only suppose, from what I have read of C.S. Lewis, that it wasn’t easy for him to reach out to children. Yet somehow they opened his heart and a deep affection for them was planted inside of him. One afternoon one of these children approached Lewis to ask about an old wardrobe in the house, curious to know what was behind it. Out of this question was planted the seeds that grew into one of the most beloved books, The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe.
Out of “discomfort” came a masterpiece of allegory that is very powerful. Out of Lewis stretching and opening his heart, risking and loving in a new way, came one more expression of God’s heart in this man.
So what is the “discomfort zone” in my world today that will allow the emerging of something richer in what I love to do, my passions in life? Lewis probably was not aware of how these children would change his life, or his writing, but he took the risk of opening himself up to an experience that would go beyond what he could envision. As I have gone through the day I keep pondering this subject. It says to me that I must be very observant of what this day, week, month or year holds. It also reminds me that I cannot see everything in focus yet. The wide-angle lens with which God views my life is at the same time the zoom lens God is looking at me. The full picture and the intricacy of this very moment are viewed simultaneously.
I cannot know what discomfort or stretching of my heart today will permit something rich to be produced in the future. But I realize that I want to be aware and open to taking the risks and seeing the “discomfort zones” in a new way. Somewhere in my life I would like God to create my own “Narnia”.
3 comments:
Well said, from one lover of C.S.Lewis to another. This notion of a discomfort zone leading to growth is very challenging. Bless you, Steph, for writing this clear, evocative piece.
Steph - Sometimes I feel like life is a discomfort zone. I long for the comfort of home. But for now, I live here in this place. Thank you for pointing out that this "discomfort or stretching of my heart today will permit something rich to be produced in the future." and that we need to "be aware and open to taking the risks". I especially love that last line and share your desire that "Somewhere in my life I would like God to create my own “Narnia”."
Steph,
Sometimes I feel a craving to be stretched a little. Not by hard times. :o) I've been stretched by plenty of them--but by new experiences, stretching conversations, beautiful views . . . I'm isolated in a way, trapped in a world of home schooling, teaching at the coop and being chief transportation engineer of four active children. Blogging sometimes helps with that . . . "God moments" are the most satisfying, but can't be fabricated or called up on demand. Sigh.
But maybe the stretching, the loosing of creativity comes in the service as you suggest. The giving of self to others. But, in this season of my life, when I have so many depending on me, even that can be overtapped.
Sometimes I need a walk in nature. A good book . . . to browse art . ..
Today my daughter is sick, it's a rare gloomy day in CO and I'm off to buy gatorade and tylenol . .. but your blog made me wish for a moment of new perspective, creativity, or beauty.
And in a way your blog also gave it to me. It reminded me to notice my heart.
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