The Most Comfortable Seat and Discomfort

The Swan Sanctuary Snug and The Most Comfortable Seats

Sharing Authentically

Almost without exception, my guests choose the most comfortable seat in the house AKA The Swan Sanctuary. Located in the Morning Room, or the snug “a small cozy and intimate room” ala British decorating icon Rachel Ashwell, two dueling sofas offer the most sumptuous, soft, deep-cushioned, sink down Shabby Chic comfort. Tucked away from the open concept space, most gravitate to the snug and choose to sit facing the woods and the scenic view that spans for miles. A nearby granny chic pillow invites them to “spill the tea” – not in a gossipy way – but because they feel safe to share their souls.

A dear beloved friend and sister in Christ had the sofas, which were custom made by a wealthy couple (hence the luxurious fabric, sturdy construction, and quality) stored in her basement. When she contemplated who would want two white sofas, of course she thought of me! Before seeing them, I protested that I had no room for them, but she suggested we could rearrange my living furniture to accommodate them. Though that didn’t work, I happily stored them in my unfinished basement for years. I styled them but seldom used them there. When I built my house for my doctoral project – that’s another post – I maximized the included morning room opportunity by selecting my lot before the deal ended. I did so with these sofas in mind.

Nearly two years later, I am so thankful I did. In addition to it providing the perfect setting for hosting guests, every morning, I sit in the snug sipping my Starbucks home crafted Lavender Latte and doing my daily devotional. It is my sanctuary and literally the most comfortable seat in the house.

Swan Sisters

Today, however, sitting there, I burst into tears. I felt so blessed, yet, depressed? When I reached out to my Faith Fit Small Group Swan Sisters to let them know I was praying for them, two of them shared struggles – one around physical disabling pain causing prolonged down time and discomfort-- and it just hit hard. Then another shared a family member’s upcoming deployment. These tears followed the ones I cried last night. Though not in physical pain, I am navigating an unexpected transition with my career. And despite being thankful for having multiple new purpose-filled paths before me in a market where some seekers seldom hear back at all, to be honest, rather than feeling excited, I feel such emotional discomfort verging on depression!

For me, writing is cathartic. It helps me process. Hence this post. While I cannot control career search challenges – timing – Ugh! – I can redeem the waiting time…

Scripture

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.” – Psalm 42:5

Spiritual Application

Last night, I turned to my trusted Busy Mom’s Bible that I still go to even though I’m now an empty nester. I searched under “Emotions” and then “Depression” and found this verse. I must point out it contains more ds! Downcast and disturbed describe my current state. Because despite the opportunities, I feel stagnant – like I’m not making progress during the down time and as if I might get stuck in a spot that’s professionally misaligned.

Thankfully, the verse also encourages and exhorts us to place our hope in God. That part I get. But I had to dig deeper to understand the rest of the verse. I learned three things:

•   It’s alright, and self-aware, to acknowledge our struggles without judgement.

• It’s a decision (a positive d word) to place our hope in Him, rather than circumstances (or career choices).

• It’s an expectation that the season of struggle – discomfort, disabling pain, depression, and even deployment, will eventually give way to praise.

So, while my guests choose the most comfortable seat, we often do not choose the discomfort or dilemma, but we can choose how we deal with it. Charles (Chuck) R. Swindoll said it this way,  “ Life is 10% what happens to you, and 90% how you react to it.”  

Something to Consider

•   What “d” or dilemma are you dealing with?

•   How can you acknowledge it without judging yourself?

•   However long the season, how much do you believe it will lead you to praise?

Savvy & Chic Steps

I am making the decision to deal with my discomfort by placing my hope in Him, our Jehovah Jireh, our Deliverer, and not in my job situation. And I already feel so much better!

Please be savvy and chic and make the decision to put yours in Him, too, no matter the dilemma! And I’m looking forward to those Praise Reports!

Be Savvy & Chic,

The Pink Collar Coach