The Recliner Always Wins

1 Corinthians 15:58

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

During this past week I spent two days and one night with my Dad who underwent surgery to remove a cancerous kidney.  While attempting to rest beside his bed in a hospital recliner I realized that serving God does NOT always mean it will be comfortable or something I enjoy.  Many times I am called into frightening and difficult circumstances which force me to step outside of my comfort zone.

I learned years ago, during many of my husband's hospital stays, that no matter how nice the recliner appears or how far it reclines, you will NOT get a decent night's sleep in one of those contraptions!  The recliner always wins no matter how hard you try or how many pillows you use.  It is not comfortable but it is where a caregiver finds him/herself on many an occasion.  This is the place we hope to rest but instead we find it to be a place we would love to leave and not deal with.

On Tuesday night when I first laid back in the hospital recliner I knew it was not going to be easy but I really didn't care for my location was most important.  This uncomfortable recliner placed me right beside my Daddy so that I could hear his voice when he called.  Serving our heavenly Father is the VERY same way.  When we chose to get close to Him in order to hear His call and then serve Him, it can become very uncomfortable.  It takes a child who is dedicated and loves the Father in order to remain in that uncomfortable place, but in the end the rewards from His call and our service always outweigh the discomfort and the pain.