“The truth is that our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.” ~ M. Scott Peck
These words are not likely to make us stand up and cheer, but we know they’re true, don’t we? I heard this perspective affirmed frequently when I was a Weight Watchers leader: people would tell me about a particular moment when they knew they had to make a different choice. It may have been the photos from their daughter’s wedding or a warning issued by their doctor. Whatever it was, they finally became uncomfortable or dissatisfied enough to change their approach.
Most of the significant things we long to receive, such as better health, a loving relationship or meaningful work, we may hold only as a vague “wouldn’t it be nice” notion. Without a finest moment of our own, however, we make do, settled into our state of mild discontent. Perhaps unconsciously we don’t think a better way is possible for us or that it would take a monumental amount of work.
Let us not resist those deep feelings of discomfort that Dr. Peck describes. Rather than trying to get around them or get over them, commit to working through them. Ask what they are there to reveal to you, trusting in the promise given in 1 Corinthians chapter 12, “and I show you a still more excellent way.” Let’s see the pain for what it is – an opportunity to have our finest moment.